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04 APRIL 2018
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR On my way to the office this morning, I experienced minimal traffic and all green traffic lights – saving me time and petrol. The same can be said for the renewable energy market in India, which was given the green light to once again proceed after travelling a long, rocky road of uncertainty. Yesterday, Hon'ble Minister of State (I/C) (Power & NRE) officially announced "Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects” to bring more clarity and remove uncertainty. The clarification of the term 'Change in Law' includes any change in the rates of any Taxes which have a direct effect on the Project. Solar industry in India is also uniquely positioned for huge bids in the coming 2 to 3 years as the current target per year is around 20 GW if we have to reach the goal of 100 by 2022. This expected serendipitous can betide the economic growth of the entire industry. Last month we witnessed the ISA founding ceremony with about 40 member countries attending the same. Hot on the heels, many new collaborations were also announced during the event. In this issue, we have extensively discussed about the impact that may incur if we move towards ADD and SD. Many industry veterans are quite vocal about the subject and decisively put the cards on the table on this prolonging critical issue. Another very important topic that we have addressed in this issue is about “what will happen to these solar modules once it reached its end of life?”. Saur Energy International in this issue strives to find the contingent ways to slate a “Sustainable Green Future” of India. Engage with the global community through Saur Energy International Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. Let’s spark the discussion globally!
ManasNandi manas@meilleurmedia.com
CONTENT
PAGE
50
ATUL ARYA
Head | Energy Systems | Panasonic India
38
REDUCE | REUSE | RECYCLE
ANTI-DUMPING & SAFEGUARD DUTY
14 POLICY
NEED OF HOUR
A BATTLE STILL REMAIN TO BE FOUGHT ON THE GROUND
GRID
MARKET
MODULES
26 Develop More Efficient Solar Modules, PM Modi to Scientists
08
06
APRIL 2018
24
70% Safeguard Duty on Solar to Dampen Investor Sentiment: Par Panel
MIPAQ Pro, the Intelligent Device for Smart Grids
ADB, ISA Sign Pact to Promote Solar Energy
Tata Power Signs MoU with EDF for ‘Smart Grid Tech’
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
25 Solar PV Market Size Worth 489.79 GW by 2020 | CAGR: 20.9%: Grand View Research
Tata Power Appoints Praveer Sinha as New CEO, MD Topaz Solar Signs Bifacial Manufacturing MOU with Appolon Solar
PAGE
18
CONTENT
46
A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE FOR INDIAN SOLAR
HARSH THACKER Sr Analyst | MOVE
Moving Onwards Vehicle Electrification
34
30
SIR GANESAN NATARAJAN
Chairman | Topaz Solar Pvt. Ltd
METALLIZATION PASTE
36
MILESTONE
FOR A CONSTANTLY EVOLVING SUBSTRATE
PROJECTS
PHILIPPE MONTARNAL
Second Counsellor | French Embassy in India Head CEA office in India
FINANCE
54 53 Diu Becomes Country’s First Fully Solar Powered UT Surat Becomes Country’s First District with Fully Solar Powered Health Centres World's Largest Solar Park Launched in Karnataka
Amplus Signs Rs 2,700 cr Solar Energy Deal with Andhra, Maharashtra IBC Solar Connects 3 MW Solar Power to the Grid in India under Open Access Azure Power Wins 130 MW Solar Power Projects Radite Energy Bags 1.4 MW for India Expo Centre Noida From Amplus Solar
60 Don’t Grant Loans to Huge Loss Making Discoms, says RK Singh to REC, PFC Mahindra Renewables Gets Rs 750 cr Assistance from Yes Bank for Rewa Solar Proj Mirzapur Solar Plant Gets Rs 74.25 Lakh per MW Viability Gap Funding from Govt VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
07 APRIL 2018
POLICY
UPDATES
70% Safeguard Duty on Solar to Dampen Investor Sentiment: Par Panel A Parliamentary panel has pointed out the
be of the tune (70 percent) that will hamper
proposed 70 percent safeguard duty on
our own programme and it should not affect
solar equipment saying there is no valid
the bids which have already taken pace,"
ground for it and would affect the viability
the panel said.
of existing projects and dampen investor
It stated that there is a need to encourage
sentiment.
domestic manufacturing, but it is hard to
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy
believe that domestic manufacturing will
in its 39th report tabled in Parliament also
reach the production and efficiency level
advised the Ministry of New and Renewable
required to meet the target of 100 GW of
Energy (MNRE) to take up the issue of
Solar Energy in the next 2-3 years.
confusion over Goods and Services Tax
So, in the opinion of the Committee, there are
(GST) on renewable energy sector and
no valid grounds to take such emergency
refund of input credit with Finance Ministry.
measures which having the potential to
"Custom Duty on Solar Cells/Modules/
cripple the entire Solar Sector.
Panels should not be levied and they should
At present customs duty on Solar Cells/
continue to enjoy exemption from custom
Modules/ Panels is levied at the rate of 7.5
duty as before. Safeguard Duty should not
percent. Further, a Safeguard Duty to the
tune of 70 percent has been recommended. The Committee opined that because of the imposition of Safeguard/Custom Duty, project developers will suffer, though it may be good for domestic manufacturers. It said that such a duty will result in steep rise in input cost, thereby affecting the viability of existing projects and dampening investors' sentiments.
ADB, ISA Sign Pact to Promote Solar Energy The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) has signed a cooperation arrangement to promote solar energy deployment in Asia and the Pacific. Upendra Tripathy, ISA interim director general and ADB vice-president for knowledge management and sustainable development Bambang Susantono signed the pact in the presence of Finance Minister and ADB Governor Arun Jaitley. "ADB's energy policy commits USD 3 billion per year by 2020 for promoting clean energy, including solar energy projects in its developing member countries," said Susantono. "We are happy to work with ISA to mobilise additional investments to meet ISA's goals for the massive deployment of affordable solar energy." The cooperation sees solar power generation, solar based mini-grids, and transmission systems for integrating solar energy into grids, among others. The ISA and the ADB
08 APRIL 2018
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
would also cooperate on knowledge sharing
energy by 2030.
and developing technology roadmaps for
They would also develop financing
the promotion of solar energy, the multilateral
instruments to support solar energy depl-
lending agency said in a statement.
oyment and conduct studies and con-
The major objectives of the international
sultations to explore mobilisation of con-
solar alliance to install over 1,000 GW of
cessional financing through trust funds or
solar generation capacity and mobilisation
special funds administered by ADB.
of investment of over USD 1 trillion into solar
UPDATES
POLICY
DGAD Ends Solar Dumping Probe on Solar Imports Against 3 Nations The Directorate General of Anti-dumping & Allied Duties (DGAD) has terminated the antidumping investigation concerning imports of “Solar Cells whether or not assembled in modules or Panels” originating in or exported from China, Taiwan and Malaysia. According to the DGAD notification, it stated, “in view of the request of the applicant and the provision in Rule 14 (a) of the AntiDumping Rules, the Authority is constrained to terminate the present antidumping investigation concerning imports of “Solar Cells whether or not assembled partially or fully in modules or Panels or on glass or some other suitable substrates” originating in or exported from China PR, Taiwan and Malaysia initiated on 21.7.2017 vide Notification No.6/30/2017-DGAD.” It further reads, “The Authority however notes that the reason cited by the domestic industry for termination of the petition is devoid of any merit. It is noted that every industry
operates in dynamic market conditions and
The Authority therefore notes that if petitions
that injury position varies almost on day-to-
start getting withdrawn on account of change
day basis and so it is not something unique
in the injury to the petitioners during the
to this particular petitioner only.
course of the investigation, then it will lead
The Authority further notes that in every
to a chaotic situation. The Authority thus
investigation the injury suffered, if any, by
reiterates that the arguments advanced for
the domestic industry is bound to undergo
withdrawal of the petition are not convincing.”
change during the course of the investigation.
Govt Shifts 2nd Global RE-Invest from April to Q3 2018 The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has postponed the 2nd Global RE-Invest India-ISA Partnership Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo to the third quarter of 2018, on the back of logistical issues. The event was earlier scheduled from 19th to 21st April 2018 at the India Expo Mart,
potential and the Government’s efforts to
100 countries.
Greater Noida, National Capital Region
scale up capacity to meet the national energy
The 2nd Global RE-Invest was built upon the
(NCR) of Delhi.
requirement in a socially, economically and
success of RE-INVEST 2015 and explores
The RE-Invest series has been envisioned
ecologically sustainable manner.
the advances made on the ground to achieve
as a global event to deliberate upon
As per the government data, this year’s
India’s target of 175GW renewable energy
strategies for development and deployment
event was expected to be attended by
capacity by 2022.
of renewables.
over 5,000 domestic and international
It showcases India’s renewable energy
delegates and delegations from more than
VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
09 APRIL 2018
POLICY
UPDATES
Govt to Achieve 20 GW Solar Power Capacity in FY18, says R K Singh Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister, R K Singh has said that the government is close to achieving 20 GW grid connected installed solar power generation capacity in the current financial year with 19.58 GW already in hand till February end. The Minister said in a written reply to Lok Sabha that, “As on February 28, 2018, a grid connected solar capacity of 19.58 GW has been installed and the government is very close to achieving 20GW in 2017-18 itself of the target set initially.” The government had revised the target of
grid connected solar energy capacities from 20GW to 100GW by 2022. However, Singh said that at present, the indigenous manufacturing capacity is not adequate and therefore the country is dependent on both imported as well as domestically manufactured solar panels/ equipments. The government has decided to auction 30 GW solar energy capacities each in 201819 and 2019-20 to achieve 100 GW grid connected capacities by 2022.
Cabinet Apprised of India-Guyana MoU on Clean Energy The Union Cabinet has apprised of an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Guyana on cooperation in renewable energy. According to an official statement, “The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in Renewable Energy between India and Guyana.” The MoU was signed on January
30, 2018 in New Delhi by R. K. Singh, Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister and Carl B. Greenidge, 2nd Vice President and the Foreign Minister of the Co-operative, Guyana. The move has come as both sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity.
Further, the MoU envisages establishing a Joint Working Committee to review, monitor and discuss matters relation to areas of cooperation. The MoU aims for exchange of expertise and networking of information. The Memorandum of Understanding will help in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Cabinet Okays India, Hellenic Deal on Renewable Energy The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Hellenic on cooperation in renewable energy. Both sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral
10
APRIL 2018
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
cooperation on new and renewable issues on the basis of mutual benefit equality and reciprocity. The MoU envisages establishing a Joint Working Group to review, monitor and discuss matters relating to the areas of cooperation. It also aims for exchange of expertise and
networking of information. The MoU was signed by the External Affairs Minister, Government of India, Sushma Swaraj and H.E. Nikos Kotzias, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic during the latter's visit to New Delhi in November, 2017.
UPDATES
POLICY
India, UK Launch Joint Research Projects on Clean Water, Energy The Minister of State for Environment Mahesh Sharma has informed the Lok Sabha that, India and the UK have launched joint research projects on water quality and energy demand reduction. In a written reply to a question, the Minister said that the research projects aim to deliver mutual benefits and research solutions to the two countries. Sharma said the projects also aim to address shared global sustainable development goals in the areas of clean water and clean energy. He further added that “The
Ministry of Science and Technology have informed that India and UK have launched joint research projects on Water Quality Research and Energy Demand Reduction in Built Environment in February 2018. “Four projects to be supported under the Energy Demand Reduction in the Built Environment programme relate to residential building energy demand reduction, zero peak energy building design, integrated urban model for built environment energy research and community-scale energy demand reduction
in India,”. The Minister pointed out that these projects will be supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with UK’s Natural Environment Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Social Research Council. Moreover, the Water Quality Research Programme would provide a better understanding of the sources and fate of different pollutants, which would enable development of appropriate technologies and management strategies, he noted.
International Solar Alliance: US, China Keen to Join Global Body The US and China are also keen to join International Solar Alliance (ISA) which is aimed to promote solar energy across the member countries falling in the tropic of cancer and capricorn, according to a senior official. While replying to a question whether other countries have shown interest in ISA or not, External Affairs Joint Secretary (Europe West) K Nagaraj Naidu said, "The other countries like US and China are among
also prospective 121 countries under the ISA. But, they are yet to sign the agreement. They have shown interest.” Echoing the same views, T S Tirumurthi, External Affairs Secretary (Economic Relations) said, "All of them (US and China) have taken part very actively in the steering committee proceedings. The last one was held on February 20, 2018 in New Delhi. They are participated. So, there is great deal of enthusiasm to this initiative (ISA)".
The US and China have not signed the ISA especially when both the countries have technology and production capacity might with them. To meet solar demands, India has been importing a large quantum of solar equipment from foreign countries especially China, Malaysia and Taiwan. India has set an ambitious target to produce 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, would account for a tenth of ISA’s goal.
MNRE Amends MSME Participation Norms for Solar Water Pump Tenders The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has amended the norms for participation of MSME sector/ startups in tenders for solar water pumps. For promotion of local small and medium entrepreneurs, the SBD provides for procurement of maximum of 10 percent of bid quantity from local small and medium entrepreneurs subject to their meeting all the specifications and terms & conditions (except the experience and turnover) and
matching the L1 price of the respective model. The Ministry further added that, considering various policy provisions made for promotion of MSME sector and also for ‘Startup India’ initiative from time to time, the aforementioned provision appearing at last bullet point of the general terms and conditions in the SBD has been amended as under with immediate effect. “Part of the tendered quantity (upto 20 percent of total tendered quantity) may
be considered for entrepreneurs of small, medium and startup category with relaxation in criteria for prior turnover and prior experience subject to their meeting all the quantity and technical specifications and other terms and conditions of the tender. The relaxation in criteria for prior turnover and prior experience may be guided by the MSME Policy of the State, if any.”
VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
11
APRIL 2018
POLICY
UPDATES
Kor Energy to Focus on Cold Storage Chains in Haryana With special focus on promotion of ‘Green
and are now focusing on the promotion of
Energy’ at rooftop of cold storages, Noida-
green solar energy at these cold storage
based Kor Energy has decided to further
chains across India. We understand the
its efforts to consolidate its solar energy
special needs of these storage facilities
business in the State of Uttar Pradesh.
and design our systems accordingly,” said
Kor Energy is in the process of executing
Sushil Sarawgi, Director, Kor Energy India.
order ranging from 100KWp to 200KWp
Electricity being a major raw material for
across 10 cold storages in the State of
cold storages, with ample availability of
Haryana accumulating to 1.5MWp in total.
roof space and bank finance at reasonable
The company has successfully installed
rates, makes solar energy a viable option
Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Systems at
for alternate energy source.
three cold storages in Haryana.
“Kor Energy will also help these cold
“We have successfully demonstrated the
storages in getting bank finance and subsidy
benefits of solar energy usage in cold chains
support. We are already executing orders
accumulating 1.5MWp in cold storages and expecting to close another 1.5MWp by April 2018. We are targeting total 10MWp Rooftop Solar Installation in cold chains PAN India in financial year 2018-19,” added Sushil Sarawgi.
NDB, ISA Join Hands to Promote Solar Energy The New Development Bank (NDB) and
The NDB, a multilateral development bank
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
International Solar Alliance (ISA) has tied up
established by the BRICS states, and the
to mobilise resources for infrastructure
to promote solar energy across the globe.
ISA agreed to consider a roadmap for the
and sustainable development projects
“On March 10 2018, the New Development
mobilisation of financing to promote solar
in BRICS and other emerging economies
Bank (NDB) and International Solar Alliance
energy in countries of common interest
and developing countries.
(ISA) signed in New Delhi, India a Joint
and to explore mechanisms for supporting
International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-
Declaration for the Promotion of Solar
solar energy development. The parties will
based international inter-governmental
Energy Globally,” an NDB statement said.
mutually support the implementation of the
organisation which was launched on
The Declaration was signed by K V Kamath,
NDB’s and ISA’s plans for solar energy
November 30, 2015, in Paris, France,
the NDB President and Upendra Tripathy,
development and deployment through
and headquarters at Gurgaon, Haryana.
Interim Director General of ISA, in the
technical assistance and knowledge
presence of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
transfer. The NDB was established by
RK Singh Meets IPPs; Assures to Resolve Issues
12
APRIL 2018
The Union Power Minister R K Singh met
DISCOMs including non-payment of Late
equipments to meet the norms. The Minster
with Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
Payment Surcharge (LPS). The meeting
recognised the important role played by
and discussed about the issues faced by
discussed the issues related to coal
IPPs in capacity addition and addressing
them. He assured IPPs to find out possible
supply in detail. IPPs also brought up the
power shortage in the country. Singh said
solutions. In the meeting, the issue of recent
issue related to implementation of new
that their concerns would be examined
RBI circular, which lays down stringent
environmental norms and requested for
into and assured them of suitable action in
provisioning norms on default of even
early clarification regarding pass-through
consultation with concerned departments
one day in payment to the lenders, was
of the consequential increase in the cost
to strengthen the power sector.
raised by IPPs prominently, particularly
of generation. They also raised the issue
in the context of delay in payment by
of financing of the capital costs for the new
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
UPDATES
POLICY
RK Singh asks Battery Makers to Set-up Units in India; Assures all Possible Support The Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy R. K. Singh held talks with battery manufacturers and discussed with them about the creation of an ecosystem for incentivising battery manufacturing in India. During talks, the Minister exhorted the industry to set up battery manufacturing units in India as the future demand was going to be very high with the Government promoting e-vehicles in a big way. Singh said, “Tenders for procuring e-vehicles have already been issued and we have started procuring the vehicles. This is going
to increase.” He also asserted that the future bids will be for solar/wind hybrid coupled with storage, the Power Minister said that the Government will soon come out with a policy in this regard, and the focus will be on ‘Make in India’ in this field. On the issue of adequate supply of raw materials for manufacturing of batteries, the Minister said that the Government has already initiated interaction with resource-rich countries such as Bolivia. Emphasising the need for creating a manufacturing base for batteries in the country, the Minister asked the Department
of Space and ISRO to share relevant technologies with the Industry. Stressing the need to start manufacturing of cells in India, the Industry representatives requested for a favourable fiscal regime. They also expressed the need to create an enabling environment for recycling of batteries in India. The Power Minister assured the battery manufacturers that the Government would take all possible measures to incentivise battery manufacturing in India.
Safeguard Duty Proposed on Solar Panel Imports for 200 Days The Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) has recommended imposition of duty on imports of solar cells for a period of 200 days, Parliament was informed. Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla informed the Lok Sabha, the preliminary findings have been submitted to the standing board under the commerce secretary. Safeguard duty is imposed to protect domestic players from steep rise in imports of a product. In a written reply to the House, Shukla said
that the directorate has initiated safeguard investigations in December last year. “The preliminary findings dated January 5 have been submitted to the standing board on safeguards recommending imposition of provisional safeguard duty on the imports of solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels for a period of 200 days,” he said. The standing board is headed by commerce secretary. The final decision to impose the duty is taken by
the finance ministry. The minister said that imports of solar cells from China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan account for more than 90 per cent of the total inbound shipments in the country. Since the provisional duty recommendations exempts the developing countries except China and Malaysia, there would still be countries like Vietnam and Thailand from which the imports can be carried out, he added.
Delhi Govt Introduces ‘Green Budget’ to Focus on EVs, Solar Energy In a first, the budget presented by the AAP government in the Delhi Assembly has given thrust on “green” initiatives by laying emphasis on environment, health and education sectors. The AAP government presented a Rs 53,000 crore budget for 2018-19 fiscal, and is the first ‘Green budget’ of the government aimed at effective containment of pollution in the city. Government would purchase 1,000 MW of Green Power from the solar and wind-based generators in 2018-19. It promised a subsidy of Rs 30,000 to firms and establishments for
switch over from diesel generator sets of 10 KVA or more capacity to clean fuel-based electric generator sets. The total capacity of renewable energy in Delhi until February 2018 was 133.13 MW, which included 81.13 MW of solar power and 52 MW of electricity generated from waste-to-energy plants. The government will pilot a scheme named agriculture-cumsolar farm scheme to incentivise installation of solar panels on raised structures without affecting farming activities, Delhi, Finance Minister Manish Sisodia said in his speech.
The government also plans to roll out 1,000 fully electric buses, “the highest fleet of electric buses in any city or state in India, and in fact, by any city in the world outside of China.”
VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
13 APRIL 2018
POLICY
PERSPECTIVE
ANTI-DUMPING & SAFEGUARD DUTY
A BATTLE STILL REMAIN TO BE FOUGHT ON THE GROUND
Inspite of, the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping (DGAD) has
On the flip side, 70% safeguard duty has also been proposed by
recently terminated the anti-dumping probe on import of solar
the Office of the Directorate General of Safeguards on imports
cells and modules from China, Taiwan and Malaysia on the back
of solar cells for 200 daysterm period corresponding to the probe.
of current petition withdrawn by the Indian Solar Manufacturers
However, importers would get a refund, if probe found that the
Association (ISMA) itself in March FY18.
duty levied should be less than 70% or not to be levied at all!
There’s still a journey of rocky road ahead to be travelled by the
Later on, whatever will be the outcomes of both the probes, but
solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) companies
this state of uncertainty has created a chaos among the solar
and developers, as the Indian manufacturers are still mulling over
industry. In my journey of exploring about this serious emerging
refiling a fresh petition on solar imports with the DGAD’s office
issue of anti-dumping and safeguard duty, a few among the
demanding extension of the years of investigation to include from
well-known industry veterans, P. Vinay Kumar, Chief Operating
April 2016 to December 2017. Earlier,the period of investigation was
Officer, Greenko Group; Sachin Jain, Co-founder & CEO, Oriano
up to June 30, 2017 and the data available for the analysis was
Solar; Ashit Maru, Co-Founder, MYSUN; Sushil Sarawgi, Director,
for three years from April 2013 to March 2016. The reason quoted
Kor Energy (India) Pvt. Ltd.; and Simarpreet Singh, Strategy Head,
by the Indian manufacturers for the extension of time period of
Hartek Group, discusses about their expectations as well as the
the probe was that the dumping has been surged drastically post
concerns they hope will be addressed…
the earlier probe period.
P. Vinay Kumar
Chief Operating Officer Greenko Group
14
APRIL 2018
Sachin Jain
Co-founder & CEO Oriano Solar
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
Ashit Maru Co-Founder MYSUN
Sushil Sarawgi
Director | Kor Energy (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Simarpreet Singh Strategy Head Hartek Group
PERSPECTIVE
POLICY
to lead to a substantial increase in project costs. It
are the provisions that developers seek from
Sushil Sarawgi, Director, Kor Energy (India) Pvt. Ltd.
document?
Imposition of any sort of anti-dumping duty
The additional cost of anti-dumping duty will have
Anti-dumping duty has hit solar auctions, what government to be incorporated in the bidding
P. Vinay Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Greenko Group In a tariff based bid-ding scenario for solar projects, the tariff that developers quote is very sensitive to project costs. Since solar panels contribute to more than half the solar project cost, uncertainties in the duty incidence on imported solar panels – can severely impact bidding strategies and tariff quoted. I think a simple “ask” from the developers, and which with Honble Minister of MNRE has hinted at recently, is that the duty incidence (if any) on account of post-bid announcement of safeguard/antidumping duties -- will be a pass through to the offtaker. Basically developers are being asked to quote, assuming with the duty structure on the day of bidding and any changes in duty post bid, will be considered to be a change of law and duty incidence pass through in the form of tariff enhancement would be given. There are already provisions to this effect in the current bid documents, but the ambiguous wording of the clause does not offer enough comfort.
Simarpreet Singh, Strategy Head, Hartek Group Ideally, the anti-dumping and safeguard duty should be applicable only on tenders that go through the bidding process after these duties have been formally announced so that there is no scope for ambiguity. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and some developers are proposing a provision for a change in law for tenders which could have a bearing on tariffs owing to policy changes. But the moot point remains that who would decide the effect of duty on tariffs. As module prices keep changing, the impact will vary from project to project. It is also uncertain whether discoms would accommodate developers by agreeing to revise the prices decided previously as per the power purchase agreement.
will definitely impact the cost economics of already auctioned or bidded projects. There should be definite guidelines to exempt such already auctioned or bidded projects
is estimated that solar panels make up for about 60 per cent of the cost of a solar project. an adverse impact on project developers who entered into power purchase agreements (PPAs) prior to the imposition of the duty and are yet to procure modules. They are not even sure whether
from the liability arising out of such duties.
their PPAs will be amended in accordance with
Ashit Maru, Co-Founder, MYSUN
At the same time, this development comes
Those projects which have already been
manufacturers to rise to the occasion by increasing
awarded need to be protected from any subsequent imposition of anti-dumping duty. In other words imports relating to projects which were bid for and won prior to the imposition of duty should be exempted from such duty. How anti-dumping & safeguard duty will impact the tariff cost to developers?
the suggested provision. as an opportunity for indigenous solar panel their volume base through innovative strategies and providing solutions customised to Indian conditions. The government should back their efforts by giving home-grown technologies the much-needed attention under the Make in India campaign. Low-cost finance options can prove decisive in promoting the Indian solar panel industry. The government should set aside more funds for R&D so as to introduce cutting-edge solutions. The
P. Vinay Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Greenko Group
consequent increase in demand will work to the
The safeguard duty proposed by the Directorate
and become more competitive.
of Safeguard duties is 70% of the value of cells embedded in the modules. At a cell price of USD 15 cents a watt, that amounts to almost 10-11 cents a watt, which at current exchange rates will increase project costs by 65 lakhs INR / MW. That is close to 15% rise in project cost, with attendant implications for tariff. The exact quantum of antidumping duty is as yet unknown as the petitioner in the proceedings have withdrawn their petition and are in the process of filing a revised petition covering a longer period and pleading for a higher anti-dumping duty claiming a higher injury.
advantage of domestic module manufacturers by enabling them to achieve economies of scale
Sushil Sarawgi, Director, Kor Energy (India) Pvt. Ltd. Anti-Dumping or safeguard duty will increase the cost of solar modules and modules comprise of approximately 60% of project cost. Hence, any imposition of such duties will increase project cost for developers which will have subsequent impact on tariffs that will be quoted.
Ashit Maru, Co-Founder, MYSUN
Simarpreet Singh, Strategy Head, Hartek Group
In a free environment the price of any product
Low solar tariffs have played a major role in the
will certainly be an increase in the price of such
Indian solar success story. But the Indian solar industry will now have to revisit its strategy in the
is determined largely by the demand supply dynamics but if significant duty is imposed there products and hence the cost to developers and the tariffs they bid.
wake of the proposed anti-dumping and safeguard duty on imported solar panels, which is expected
VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
15 APRIL 2018
In present scenario, what are the issues or
seeking behaviour and would defeat the
This uncertainty due to duties, will drive
challenges the EPC companies and developers
purpose of these duties.
away foreign investments in India’s
are dealing with due to anti-dumping duty on
As a policy tool, anti-dumping and safeguard
solar programme. Further, due to these
solar equipments?
duties can offer at best a temporary relief.
uncer tainties, EPC companies and
The investigations tend to be narrow in
developers are not able to derive a firm
P. Vinay Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Greenko Group
scope and focussed on a small portion of
capex cost for the project, resulting in less
the industry value chain. For instance an
participation in recent bids.
anti-dumping investigation would not be
At the same it is important to have domestic
The biggest concern is the uncertainty
able to look at the impact of the ADD/SGD
manufacturing unit. And this needs to be
on downstream jobs in the solar sector,
supported by tax incentives. Considering,
which is substantial.
India’s module manufacturing capacity of
that these investigations have created in the solar market. The poor response in the recent Maharashtra and Karnataka tenders is a clear indication that unless these uncertainties are resolved, the bidding process would stall without full participation. This would mean a thinner pipeline for EPC companies and developers – and a concern at the national level about meeting the overarching goals of capacity addition under the national solar mission. Also given the short tenor of the levies, most of them do not last more than 2-3 years, it does not offer a good enough incentive for additional / new solar manufacturing capacity in India. This would offer a tariff protection to existing
16
APRIL 2018
manufacturers and would encourage rentSAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
Sachin Jain, Co-founder & CEO, Oriano Solar
Tier-1 players is less than 20% compared to India’s annual installed capacity, it would have been better if duties would have been
The uncertainties with imposition of proposed
announced in phased manner for each year
provisional safeguard duty of 70% and
and reducing year by year thereby giving
anti-dumping duty will be deterrent for the
manufacturing companies incentives to
growth of the sector.
put capacity faster and developers a clear
These duties would add significant cost to
visibility of capex involved.
the solar project and will result in higher solar tariffs. The main benefit of having lower electricity rate through solar energy
Simarpreet Singh, Strategy Head, Hartek Group
for industries will not be met. The Indian industries and manufacturing units with
Since India is heavily dependent on
current higher electricity power cost, will
imports for solar panels owing to limited
be less competitive to global companies.
manufacturing capacities, the anti-dumping
PERSPECTIVE
duty on solar equipments will add to the
on the promised warranty terms for the entire
cost of developers, who prefer imports
warranty duration of 25 years compared to
as they work out to be 25-30% cheaper
Indian companies. The simple reason is that
than domestic products. So, cost poses
time duration is too long and the technology
the biggest challenge. After all, more than
is changing too fast. Manufacturers in the
50 per cent of the country’s solar module
solar value chain who are agile, who can
manufacturing capacity is still dependent
adapt and simultaneously scale profitably
on imported cells.
are the ones who will be around when a
Only an enabling policy environment can
warranty claim is called. IPPs are derisking
enable domestic manufacturers to support
manufacturing dependency for warranties
the country’s solar ambitions. India needs
by resorting to third party insurances.
about 20 GW of solar module availability per
These products are still evolving, and much
year to achieve the 100-GW target by 2022.
of this, is still in work in progress. Banks
The move to impose anti-dumping duty has
and investors are also insisting on such
also raised the concerns of investors and
insurances of late.
banks about project viability.
Ashit Maru, Co-Founder, MYSUN
Simarpreet Singh, Strategy Head, Hartek Group
The uncertainty around import duty on solar
Given the fierce competition, no company,
modules is creating chaos for importers.
domestic or overseas, can survive unless it
While there is no provision to levy duty
focuses on value addition through efficient
on import of solar modules the Customs
services and reliable back-up mechanisms.
authorities are not clearing imports without
Well aware of the fact, indigenous
furnishing of Bank Guarantees and in many
manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned
cases even actual payment of duties. This
in rivalling their overseas counterparts when
confusion leads to unnecessary delays
it comes to services. In fact, some domestic
and harassment in clearing the shipments.
players like the Hartek Group have taken
Sushil Sarawgi, Director, Kor Energy (India) Pvt. Ltd. Due to lack of clarity on time of imposition of such duty and the amount of such duty, EPC
the edge off the competition posed by big multinationals by being one-up on services and back-up support.
Sushil Sarawgi, Director, Kor Energy (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Companies and developers are skeptical in quoting price/tariff.
Service depends upon the service policy of the manufacturer and also how much
As solar panels come under warranty of 25 years,
they adhere to their service policies and
players or overseas companies? In term of the
companies who have their presence
POLICY
In terms of technology, which products you
find are better - imported or domestically manufactured?
Simarpreet Singh, Strategy Head, Hartek Group While domestically manufactured modules are by and large considered slightly less efficient than the imported ones, we do have Indian manufacturers which offer much superior modules in comparison to the low-quality Chinese imports flooding the market. So, the anti-dumping and safeguard duty is imperative to provide a level playing field to domestic companies. With research going on at a furious pace on more efficient modules, Indian companies can well catch up with their foreign counterparts if the government backs their efforts with suitable incentives.
Ashit Maru, Co-Founder, MYSUN Due to the sheer scale of operations of the overseas companies they are able to afford focussing on future research and development of products and hence I feel that as of now certain imported solar products have better efficiencies and technology.
Sushil Sarawgi, Director, Kor Energy (India) Pvt. Ltd. Both domestic and imported products are good and the quality depends upon BOM used. Certain imported products are of superior technologies of some manufacturer
who provides you better services - domestic
commitments. Both domestic and overseas
ability to meet the warranty commitments over
and network in India and have long term
the warranty period of 25 years.
commitment provide good service.
P. Vinay Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Greenko Group
P. Vinay Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Greenko Group
Ashit Maru, Co-Founder, MYSUN
Product quality is manufacturer specific
There is no reason today to believe that a
one sticks to well established companies
foreign company is any better at executing
whether they are domestic or overseas.
There is no significant issue on this front if
which are not available in India.
and not country specific. - Manu@meilleurmedia.com
VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
17 APRIL 2018
POLICY
PERSPECTIVE
INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE:
A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE I FOR INDIAN SOLAR
ndian solar sector witnesses sharp momentum in the past four years under
the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2014, when he took office, India had 3 GW of solar power, which now turned to nearly seven-times of that, or 20 GW, by the end of FY18. India’s efforts towards solar sector came into limelight when the seeds of International Solar Alliance (ISA) was sown at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-21) in Paris on November 30, 2015 by the PM Modi and the then President of France Francois Hollande. Now after a heady journey, the green shoots of that seed have sprouted and the young sapling of ISA celebrated its founding day on March 11, 2018. In only 2-years, it transitioned from a high-profile announcement at the COP21 summit in Paris to an inter-governmental organization under the UN charter. Amidst the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi, the first summit of ISA congregated other notable personalities including 21 Heads of State and Heads of Government, 6 Vice Presidents and Deputy Prime Ministers, 19 Ministers as Heads of Delegation and many other ministers who were accompanied by the Heads of State and Heads of Government. ISA is the first international inter-governmental treaty based organization that will have a secretariat in India. It provides a common platform for cooperation among sunny nations lying fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn seeking to
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APRIL 2018
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
PERSPECTIVE
POLICY
massively ramp up solar energy, in order to bend the global greenhouse emissions curve by providing clean and cheap energy. The primary objective of the inter-governmental organization is to undertake joint efforts required to reduce the cost of finance & technology. It aims to mobilize more than USD 1 trillion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy, and pave the way for future technologies adapted to the needs of 121 prospective member countries. The ISA Framework Agreement came into force on December 6, 2017.Out of the 121 potential countries, 61 have joined the alliance and 32 of them have also ratified the Framework Agreement. Now, it has four ongoing programmes namely, scaling solar applications for agriculture purpose, affordable finance at massive scale, scaling solar mini grids and scaling solar rooftop catering to the needs of solar
yyIndia will contribute USD 27 million to the
2 billion and 4 GW electricity. It’s not just
alliance for creating the corpus, building
that, generation of CO2 was also reduced
infrastructure and recurring expenditure over
by 30 million tones.
the 5-year duration from 2016-17 to 2020-21.
yyIn a move to go green, Diu has become
Additionally, an amount of USD 62 million
India’s first fully solar powered and energy
has been provided for the establishment of
surplus Union territory (UT). It has showcased
the ISA Secretariat.
a model for an effective way to harness the
yyIndia via its Development Partnership
renewable energy source. Despite scarcity
Administration program has set aside USD
of land, Diu is generating solar power way
1.5-2 billion as a line of credit facility to
more than its consumption requirement.
undertake solar projects in those African
Key developments on the back of ISA
countries that have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement.
Summit
On its maiden founding ceremony, ISA not
yyIndian Government will create 500 training
just brought the prominent leaders and head
slots for ISA member countries. It is also
of states but clearly beguiled a new dialogue
planning to start a solar technology mission
in which dozens of eminent dignitaries of
India’s commitment towards ISA
to lead the research and development in
various countries shared their vantage on
the sector.
a sustainable green ecosystem slating the
Agreement’ to give ISA a juridical personality
yyUnder the Solar Study Lamp Scheme,
future of mankind and its fate.
Government of India has been providing
During the founding conference, Modi,
light to 7 million school going children.
who is the chief architect of ISA, presented
yyIndia sets up a projects preparation facility
the ten-point action plan which includes
to provide consultancy support to partner
affordable solar technology available to all
countries for designing bankable projects.
nations, increasing the share of electricity
India’s footprints/efforts towards achieving
produced from PV cells, framing standards
energy in particular areas. Now, the International Solar Alliance must deliver on its promise. yyISA and India signed the ‘Host Country and gives it the power to contract, to acquire and to dispose-off movable and immovable properties, to institute and defend legal proceedings. As per the pact, the alliance shall enjoy such privileges, applicable tax concessions and immunities necessary for its Headquarter to independently discharge its functions. yyGovernment encourages domestic players to set up energy infrastructure in other ISA member countries and also asks them to take necessary steps for de-risking in this regard. yyIndia has completed 13 solar projects worth USD 143 million across the world or is in the process of being implemented. It will also provide an assistance of USD 1.4 billion to 27 more projects in 15 other developing countries.
ISA goals
& regulations, providing consultancy support
yyIndia has achieved the milestone of 20 GW
for bankable solar projects and also creating
cumulative solar capacity four years ahead
a network of centre for excellence.
of the target set for 2022 in the National
On domestic front
Solar Mission. The achievement comes on
Under the ISA umbrella, Indian and French
the back of a major renewable energy push
companies formalised various business
by Modi government. Now new target for
contracts and agreements worth EUR 13
2022, would require India to produce 175
billion in diverse fields including new and
GW of renewable energy of which 100 GW
renewable energy, nuclear energy, smart
will be solar power.
grids, aviation, cement, telecom, agri-
yyTo boost solar power generation, India
business, and environment and climate
has distributed 28 crore LED bulbs in the
change.
past 3 years which have helped save USD
Dozens of Memorandum of Understandings VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
19 APRIL 2018
POLICY
PERSPECTIVE
(MoUs) were inked at the Indo-French
the countries shall work on projects in ISA
Economic Partnership signing ceremony
member countries in the areas of solar
on the occasion of the state visit of Macron
energy (solar PV, storage technologies,
to India.
etc.) through transfer of technology and
In the new & renewable energy sector,
collaborative activities.
Indian solar manufacturer Vikram Solar has
European Investment Bank (EIB) and Indian
signed a collaboration pact with the French
Renewable Energy Development Agency
Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy
(IREDA) signed a loan pact for a second
Commission (CEA). The deal was signed
line of credit (LoC) of Euro 150 million on
to enhance Research and Developments
non-sovereign basis. The LoC is for a period
(R&D) on high efficiency crystalline silicon
of 15 years including 3 years grace period.
cells, modules, systems and a host of
It will be used for financing Renewable
high efficiency generation and storage
Energy and Energy Efficiency projects in
technologies for French and Indian markets.
India. Over 1.1 million households likely to
Another major deal was signing of MoU
benefit from clean energy produced with
between Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd
these funds.
(TPDDL) and Électricité de France (EDF)
On global front
along with its wholly-owned subsidiary Enedis
The goal of ISA is to deploy 1 TW of solar
to explore prospective opportunities together,
energy by 2030 for which it need USD 1
related to ‘Smart Grid Technology’ in India.
trillion out of which USD 500 billion likely
In other significant development, Indian firm
to come from private sector.
Topaz Solar signed a MoU with French firm
yyThe ISA and the African Development Bank
Appolon Solar SAS for providing 2 lines of
(AfDb), the Asian Development Bank (ADB),
production for high quality solar panels,
the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
to set up a panel Giga factory in Odisha.
(AIIB), the Green climate fund (GCF), and
A few other contracts signed were, between
the New Development Bank (NDB) signed
the French company Ciel & Terre on the
joint financial partnership declarations.
one hand and AM Holdings and Green
The AfDb’s new deal on energy for Africa
AM on the other hand – for the installation
aims to achieve universal access to energy
of the first floating solar plant in Tamil Nadu
in Africa by 2025. AfDb together with the
with capacity of 28 MW; Another MoU
ISA would like to work on mobilization of
was signed for cooperation between two
concessional financing via existing, notably
industrial federations in smart grids: Think
the bank’s sustainable energy fund for Africa
Smart Grid, for France and ISGF (Indian
and the facility for energy inclusion.
Smart Grid Forum).
Further, ISA and ADB have joined hands for
Some other agreements that were formalized
promotion of solar energy in Asia and the
include, renewal of the contract between
Pacific, including solar power generation,
EDF EN and Bharat Light & Power on data
solar based mini-grids, and transmission
acquisition to optimize wind and solar
systems dedicated for integrating solar
production; and an MoU on electric mobility
energy into the grids and any other future
between EdF International Networks, Citelum,
programs launched by ISA.
G2M and Solstyce, four French company
Additionally, AIIB and ISA joined hands for
who intend to work together to develop
promotion of solar energy in prospective
e-vehicle charging infrastructure in India.
ISA member countries where AIIB operates.
Besides, another MoU was signed between
Moreover, ISA and GCF promote the
National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE),
development of affordable, reliable and
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
sustainable solar energy as an important
and the National Solar Energy Institute
way towards a sustainable and inclusive
(INES), France. With this agreement, both
economic growth.
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APRIL 2018
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
Also, the International Energy Agency (IEA) signed a joint partnership declaration with the ISA including four main focus areas namely, energy security, environmental awareness, economic development and engagement worldwide. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and ISA signed a joint declaration during the ISA’s founding conference to deepen the cooperation between the two organisations to pick up solar energy deployment. The New Development Bank (NDB), formerly known as the BRICS Development Bank, and the ISA tied up to promote solar energy across the globe. The motive behind the agreements is to deepen their cooperation in support of renewable energy. yyFrance would extend an extra €700 million (Dh3.16 billion) through loans and donations by 2022 for solar projects in emerging economies. It had already committed €300 million to the initiative when it co-founded
with India a global alliance in 2015 to unlock
2022, which is more than 80 percent of the
the sunshine club can transform from an
new cash for solar projects in sunshine-rich
global solar capacity by that time, and almost
idea, to a truly international cooperative body
yet poor nations.
double current capacity. This achievement
which gives birth to real action and change.
yyThe United States lauded India’s efforts
would be a critical step in aligning global
Also, a dedicated focus with deadlines and
for initiating and inaugurating the ISA and
solar deployment with the IEA’s Sustainable
milestones is required to make it possible
expressed eagerness to work with the
Development Scenario (SDS) targets.
to measure its progress.
organisation in the future.
The agency opined that, the ISA can
According to the industry estimates, India
Analysis
specifically play a significant role in further
alone needs some USD 83 billion between
Adding another feather in the ISA’s cap,
accelerating deployment and reducing costs
FY2018 and FY2022 to meet its 175 GW
the IEA’s analysis reveals that the vision of
of solar in developing economies, where
target of renewable energy. In a move to
ISA to mobilize more than USD 1 trillion of
investment risks remain one of the main
increase the portion of solar power in the
investment by 2030 for the deployment of
barriers. Moreover, ISA can be crucial in
energy bucket, provide cheaper electricity
solar energy at affordable costs is ambitious
accelerating energy access, with potential
and cut carbon emissions, concessional
yet achievable.
positive impacts improving the quality of life
financing and less-risky funds will be required
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an
of hundreds of millions of people.
for solar projects.
autonomous agency within the framework
Road Ahead
Now, our green future depends on our
Although, ISA has enough potential to create
willingness how and what we can do in order
operation and Development (OECD), which
huge impact on the future of our planet ‘Earth’
to achieve our goals. In this scenario the
works to ensure reliable, affordable and
while solar energy too has a bright future.
words of Mahatma Gandhi will be evident,
clean energy for its 30 member countries
But the effects of global warming were also
he rightly said that, ‘The difference between
and beyond.
evident with every successful year.
what we do and what we are capable of
The market forecast of the IEA shows that if
In order to achieve targeted goals, India and
doing would suffice to solve most of the
all eligible countries join the Alliance, then
the ISA have to cross a long road ahead which
world's problems’.
the cumulative installed solar capacity in
is filled with hiccups and challenges. Some
ISA countries could surpass 700 GW by
of the prevailing concerns are about whether
of the Organisation for the Economic Co-
- Manu@meilleurmedia.com
21 VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
APRIL 2018
POLICY
UPDATES
Govt Issues Clarification on Tariff Based Bidding Process for Solar PV Projects The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a notification with respect to ‘Clarification to guidelines for the tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of power from grid connected solar PV power projects’. According to the clause 5.7.2 of the said guidelines, the term ‘Change in Law’ includes any change in the rates of any taxes which have a direct effect on the project. The Ministry clarified that, “In order to bring more clarity and remove uncertainty, it is hereby clarified that the term ‘change in the rates of any taxes’ as mentioned in clause 5.7.2 of ‘Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement
The move will allow solar power developers
developers’ uncertainty up to some extent
of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power
to pass on the burden of any increase in
about likely impact of possible anti-dumping
Projects’ notified on 03.08.2017, includes
duties on solar equipment to discoms.
and safeguard duties on imported equipment.
‘change in rates of taxes, duties and cess’.”
It will help in reducing the solar power
Impose Safeguard Duty on Import of Solar Cells, says ISMA
22
APRIL 2018
The Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has demanded from the government for the imposition of safeguard duty on imports of solar cells and modules, saying it would be significant to the solar manufacturing industry. The association has written to the Commerce Ministry favouring the Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) recommendation of imposition of 70% duty on imports of solar PV cells and modules. The DGS is mandated to investigate the existence of ‘serious injury’ or ‘threat of serious injury’ to the domestic industry as a consequence of increased import of an article into India. It has also submitted its findings to the central government along with the recommendations regarding the amount and period of levy of safeguard duty to check injury or threat of
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
injury to the domestic industry. The ISMA’s letter said that, “The consequences of not imposing the recommended duty, and in good time, are very significant not only to the solar manufacturing industry, but also to the nation, considering the strategic nature of solar power to India and perpetuating dependence on China for imports of solar
cells and modules.” It cited ways to check solar power tariff rise, which is expected due to the imposition of the duty. It is true that the imposition of safeguard duty will increase the prices of cells and modules, inherently because that is the objective of duty imposition, the association said.
UPDATES
POLICY
ISA, India ink Host Country Pact; ISA now Juridical Personality The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the
and immunities as are necessary for ISA’s
Singh, Power and New & Renewable Energy
External Affairs Ministry of India has signed
Headquarter to independently discharge
Minister. Congratulating the signatories, R.K.
the ‘Host Country Agreement’ in New Delhi.
its function and programmes.
Singh said that ISA has potential to change
The move will give ISA a juridical personality
ISA shall be deriving its status, privileges
developmental paradigm in the world. He
and gives it power to contract, to acquire
and immunities as per Article 10 of the
said that energy will now be available to less
and dispose off movable and immovable
Framework Agreement.
developed tropical countries at affordable
properties, to institute and defend legal
The agreement was signed by General (Dr.)
rates and in an easily deployable manner.
proceedings.
V.K. Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of
The Minister also mentioned that many
As per the pact signed, ISA shall enjoy
External Affairs and Upendra Tripathy, Interim
countries have shown interest to learn from
such privileges, applicable tax concessions
Director General, ISA in the presence of RK
India’s experience in renewable energy.
Indian Industry to Set-up Energy Infra in ISA Member Countries, says Power Min The Power and New & Renewable Energy
country agreement between the ISA and
developed tropical countries at affordable
Minister RK Singh has emphasized on
India, the Minister also talked about doing
rates and in an easily deployable manner,
the need for our industry to go and set up
necessary de-risking in this regard.
he added.
energy infrastructure in other ISA member
He said ISA has potential to change
Singh also mentioned that many countries
countries.
developmental paradigm in the world.
have shown interest to learn from India’s
While speaking at the signing of the host
Energy will now be available to less
experience in renewable energy.
Power Ministry, Skill India Join Hands to Support ‘Saubhagya’ Scheme Giving a further fillip to the Government’s mission of bringing electricity to every household and to empower the rural youth, Power Ministry has partnered with the Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Ministry to train the manpower in six states for speedy implementation of its Saubhagya scheme. The scheme aims to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the country in a time bound manner. Under the scheme, around four crore households are expected to get electricity connections. Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister, R.K. Singh said that this partnership would be of great help as lack of trained
manpower has been the main constraint in speedy implementation of the Government’s electrification programme under Saubhagya. He said that a large number of trained manpower is required for implementing various programmes in the power sector, and Saubhagya alone needs more than 35,000 trained persons. Once this trained manpower is available, it will help us in meeting our daily targets for electrification, he added. The scheme is undertaken as a special project under the government’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Moreover, around 47,000 Distribution Lineman-Multi Skills and 8,500 Technical
Helpers will be trained to meet the requirement of power sector. The workforce already engaged by contractors implementing this project will be considered first for the skill development programmes.
VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
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GRID
UPDATES
MIPAQ Pro, the Intelligent Device for Smart Grids Infineon Technologies said it has ‘optimised its high power intelligent power module (IPM) MIPAQ Pro’ for energy storage and smart grid. The company believes that through greater design flexibility and upgraded power protection the efforts for the powerstage development and running system are ‘greatly’ reduced. The hope is that SMEs will be empowered to implement semiconductors for existing and emerging applications. The intelligent wiring of the MIPAQ Pro helps to overcome this restriction. With its smart feature-set it allows for replacing power units and sub-systems which are nominally
50 percent higher rated. This result, Infineon said is real time condition monitoring makes safety buffers towards. For example, 150°C semiconductor junction temperature just a surplus. Installing the MIPAQ Pro at the heart of an inverter makes changing topology very easy. At the end of their production line, customers can choose between chopperand half-bridge modes via Modbus. This is especially helpful for manufacturers of inverters for the energy storage and smart grid industry. The safe operation area of the IPM has also been improved with more robust boards
and a software-upgrade leading to higher system availability. This is supported by different warning levels which can easily be adapted to specific use-cases helping system-operators to generate counter-measures before a potential fault-triggered system shutdown
Tata Power Signs MoU with EDF for ‘Smart Grid Tech’ Tata Power has joined hands with Électricité de France (EDF) to explore prospective opportunities together, related to 'Smart Grid Technology' in India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two firms heading towards the goal of electricity development and smart sustainable city development by Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD of the Tata Power-DDL and Marianne Aigneau who is in Charge of the international division of EDF. A senior TPDDL official said, as part of an ambitious and forward-looking programme of Smart Grids and revamping the Indian distribution sector, the Indian Government has launched several schemes for development and re-development of the distribution network in addition to the 'Smart Cities Mission' in June 2015. Smart cities and smart grid technologies are seen as a key to India's economic and social growth. TPDDL and EDF shall be jointly demonstrating to help de-carbonise local energy systems and evaluate 'Smart Grid Technologies' in India, using innovative solutions, he informed.
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
Praveer Sinha said as a leading power distribution company, TPDDL has introduced several firsts in the distribution sector and is passing on practical knowledge to others. “The use of energy efficient technology is a unique and cost effective solution to optimize operational efficiency and provide better quality services at a lower cost,” he said.
Sinha further said that the collaboration with institution of repute like EDF paves the way for scientific and technical cooperation between the parties to recognize the great potential to join forces and leverage synergies for the benefit of society at large by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.
UPDATES
MARKET
Solar PV Market Size Worth 489.79 GW by 2020 | CAGR: 20.9%: Grand View Research The global solar PV market is expected to reach 489.79 GW by 2020, according to a new report by Grand View Research. Rising demand for sustainable energy resources coupled with favorable regulatory policies is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. Supportive regulations involving federal subsidy and incentives expected to be the prime factors impacting the industry growth on a positive note. Europe has been a major market for solar PV owing to early adoption of the technology in the region owing to high consumer awareness and positive government outlook in region. Increasing demand for renewable energy sources owing to rising consumer awareness towards cost benefits associated with the technology is expected to propel growth. Furthermore, depleting fossil fuel resources coupled with growing demand for durable
energy sources is expected to have a positive impact on the industry growth. The technology offer low conversion efficiencies as compared to conversional energy sources including oil and biomass. Furthermore, the solar PV performance gets affected by various factors including type of raw material used for solar cell manufacturing, availability of sunlight and solar PV designs which is expected to hamper its growth over the forecast period. Further Key Findings from the Report Suggest: • Utility is expected to be the fastest growing application segment, progressing at a CAGR of 21.3% over the forecast period, owing to the high demand for solar PV in electricity, and transportation • Non-residential application segment accounted for 26.3% of the total market share in 2016, high employment of solar PV
in industrial processes for fulfilling heating requirements • European market is expected to witness a slow growth rate as compared to other regions, on account of early adoption of the technology in the region which led to saturation of the industry • Asia Pacific accounted for 17.9% of the total market share in 2016, on account of the favorable government regulations and initiatives taken by the government to install clean energy resources in order to curb the prevailing issue of pollution • The major players in the market are investing in R&D activities in order to come up with efficient and high performance systems in order to tap the rising consumer attention and to compete with the alternative energy resources
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Develop More Efficient Solar Modules, PM Modi to Scientists Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted scientists to extend their research from “labs to the land” for the greater benefit of the people and said time was ripe to redefine ‘R&D’ as research for development of the nation. “Efficiency of solar modules currently available in the market is around 17-18 percent. Can our scientists take a challenge to come up with a more efficient solar module, which can be produced in India at the same cost,” Modi asked while speaking at the inaugural session of the 105th Indian Science Congress in Manipur. Modi said India has a rich tradition and a long history of both discovery and use of science and technology. “It is time to reclaim our rightful place among the frontline nations in this field,” he said, calling upon the scientific community to extend its research from “the labs to the land”. He
further said, “the time is also ripe, to commit ourselves to facilitate ‘Ease of Living’ for 125 crore Indians, through the power as well as potential of science and technology.” Modi said the theme of the meet, ‘Reaching the unreached through science and technology’, was most appropriate as science should
help to solve the socio- economic problems of common people. India is a leader in the multi-country Solar Alliance and in Mission Innovation. These groupings are providing a thrust to R&D for clean energy, the prime minister added.
Tata Power Appoints Praveer Sinha as New CEO, MD Tata Power has appointed Praveer Sinha
Sinha has over three decades of experience
as the firm’s new chief executive officer
in the power sector and has been credited
(CEO) and Managing Director with effect
with transforming the power distribution
from May 1, 2018 to oversee the next phase
sector and development and setting up of
of expansion.
greenfield and brownfield power plants in
Sinha is currently the CEO & Managing
India and abroad, said a company statement.
Director of Tata Power Delhi Distribution
“Tata Power is among the oldest and most
Limited (Tata Power-DDL), a public private
iconic companies in the Tata group and it is
partnership between Tata Power and Delhi
my privilege to lead such an institution. I look
government, supplying power to over seven
forward to working with all our stakeholders
million people in North and North-West Delhi.
and employees to take this company on
Tata Power Chairman N Chandrasekaran
its next stage of growth,” said Sinha in the
said in the statement, “Praveer’s extensive
statement.
experience in the power sector and his ability
Sinha holds a Master’s Degree in Business
to drive performance, maximise returns and
Law from National Law School, Bengaluru
work seamlessly with stakeholders will be
and is also professionally trained as an
very valuable for Tata Power as it looks to
Electrical Engineer.
strengthen and expand its position in fast-
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evolving energy market”. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
UPDATES
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Topaz Solar Signs Bifacial Manufacturing MOU with Appolon Solar Topaz Solar has signed an MoU with French firm Appolon Solar SAS to set up a bifacial solar module manufacturing facility in India. The MOU was signed between the two parties on March 10 at an event in New Dehli, during the French Prime Minister, Emmanuel Macron’s, state visit to India, which also saw the likes of Indian firm Vikram Solar tie up agreements with another French institute CEA. According to the statement, “The MoU with Appolon Solar SAS will be for technical knowhow, complete turnkey machinery for bifacial solar modules manufacturing plant (which is first of its kind in India) and support for selling modules back in Europe.” Topaz will have 100MW of bifacial capacity along with 400MW of mono-facial modules in the first phase of a planned 1.2GW module facility in the state of Orissa. It was also attended by H.E Jean Le Drain, Minister for
Europe and Foreign Affairs, in Charge of
Commerce and Civil Aviation and R.K Singh,
External Trade, Ms Brune Poirson, Minister of
Minister for State (Independent Charge)
State for Ecological and Inclusive Transition
Power, New and Renewable Energy.
from France and Suresh Prabhu, Minister of
Vikram Solar Join Hands with France’s CEA to Drive Innovative Technology R&D Vikram Solar has signed a collaboration
facial modules, Agri-photovoltaics, Solar
pact with the French Alternative Energies
mobility etc. as well as exploring new
and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).
competitive materials in order to reduce costs.
Under the MoU, CEA will share their know-
Vikram Solar Limited, MD & CEO, Gyanesh
how and technologies in the field of solar
Chaudhary said, “Vikram Solar has always
energy, storage, smart grid and thermal
been at the forefront of innovation through
efficiency while Vikram Solar will apply these
research and development that helps India
technologies in large volume manufacturing
grow and develop and be a more sustainable
with a wider objective of improving solar
nation. Our association with CEA will
photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules to
strengthen our focus on newer technology
perform at record-efficiency in energy
and in turn increase opportunity for both
conversion and simultaneously developing
parties to work towards a more sustainable
battery solutions by increasing their energy
and efficient ecosystem.”
storage capacity.
The CEA carries out research on thermal
Other advanced research and development
and photovoltaic solar energy, in support of
a re a s o f c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i l l i n c l u d e
industrial companies in the sector.
crystallization and wafering, mono and bi-
VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
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Rain or Shine: New Solar Cell Captures Energy from Raindrops
28 APRIL 2018
A solar panel that can generate electricity from falling raindrops has been invented, enabling power to flow even when skies cloud over or the sun has set. Solar power installation is soaring globally thanks to costs plunging 90% in the past decade, making it the cheapest electricity in many parts of the world. But the power output can plummet under grey skies and researchers are working to squeeze even more electricity from panels. The new device, demonstrated in a laboratory at Soochow University in China, places two transparent polymer layers on top of a solar photovoltaic (PV) cell. When raindrops fall on to the layers and then roll off, the friction generates a static electricity charge. “Our device can always generate electricity in any daytime weather,” said Baoquan Sun, at Soochow University. “In addition, this device even provides electricity at night if there is rain.” Other researchers have recently created similar devices on solar panels, known as triboelectric nanogenerators (Tengs),
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
but the new design is significantly simpler and more efficient as one of the polymer layers acts as the electrode for both the Teng and the solar cell. “Due to our unique device design, it becomes a lightweight device,” said Sun, whose team’s work is published in the journal ACS Nano. “In future, we are exploring integrating these into mobile and flexible devices, such as electronic clothes. However, the output power efficiency needs to be further improved before practical application.” Sun said the field was developing fast and expects to produce a prototype product in three to five years. Other scientists in China have also used Tengs on solar cells to harvest some power from the wind, an approach Sun said could be added to his device. The top layer of the Teng is also grooved to help focus more light on the solar cell. “The idea is interesting – a hybrid device that harvests kinetic energy from water without destroying the output of the solar cell during sunny times,” said
Varun Sivaram, at the Council on Foreign Relations, US, and author of a new book on solar power. “There’s lots of nice engineering, like using one layer to do double duty as a component of the Teng as well as trap light for the solar cell.” However, Varun said the power the device generates from falling rain needs to be significantly higher to start making an overall difference to a solar panel’s output. “It’s really not clear whether this is a big deal or not – I suspect it’s not.” Prof Keith Barnham, at Imperial College London, said the hybrid device gave an important advantage in making it more compact and efficient. But he said: “Wind power is clearly the most effective and complementary power source to PV – and it works equally well in the rain!” Other innovations in solar panel design include using the mineral perovskite as a flexible and efficient material, using socalled “quantum dots” and researching artificial photosynthesis, which uses sunlight to produce liquid and gas fuels.
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SIR GANESAN NATARAJAN Chairman | Topaz Solar Private Limited Manas Nandi speaks to the veteran of Coke and Coal industry who transformed many coke NPAs into profitable assets and now venturing into 1.2 GW mega Solar Module manufacturing plant.
Q
Please tell our readers more about Topaz solar and its services. Topaz Solar is promoted by me and Ms. Usha Natarajan in the year 2009. It became active since 2014 where we planned to foray into domestic solar market primarily Tamilnadu biz in mind due to aggressive Solar policy unveiled by then CM Jayalalitha. As SPO(Solar Purchase Obligation) could not take off we went out of tamilnadu biz barring some roof top biz. In the year 2015 Topaz Solar along with Vincent Industries, France( earlier promoter of Appolon Solar SAS) and some scientists from Georgia Tech to set up a Bifacial solar Cell cum Module manufacturing plant in Memphis, USA with initial capacity of 60MW. Due to bankruptcy filed by Vincent Industries our project got stalled. Then since 2016 Topaz Solar started selling Solar modules and cells in Indian market with eye on setting up solar Module manufacturing Plant for the right moment. The proactive measures taken by the current NDA government, we feel this is the right moment for us to foray into Solar Module manufacturing in India. And due to encouragement for Solar Cell manufacturing (in SEZ), we have decided to add Solar cell production as part of our project.
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
Q
Topaz Solar is building 1200MW Solar Module Manufacturing Plant in Orissa. You are coming in to the market at a time when there is lot of uncertainty regarding AD and Safeguard duty in the market. What will be your strategy to challenge imported modules? We have given our proposal for setting up 500MW Solar Module Manufacturing Plant in Orissa in March 2017 and later enhanced to 1200MW. From the beginning we were not looking at purely on the Indian Market in short term. We want to focus on European as well as North American market for solar Module sales and own projects in SAARC, ASEAN and African regions . We were sure that India would be a bigger bet by 2020-21 and will remain for at least 2 decades. In short term we are just looking to sell 3040% of our production to be sold in Indian market. We will have 60-70% tieup with few developers in European and American market for buy back of our Modules. Right from beginning we were very sure that Safeguard duty recommendations may not be imposed and even if happens it may not be at the 70% levels as proposed. We are negotiating hard with the Orissa Government for their offered subsidy scheme where we may conclude with 25% capex subsidy and 5% Term loan
interest reimbursement apart from the SGST exemption for 5 years. Regarding Solar cells we are expecting bigger market within India as there is Anti Dumping duty on China, Malaysia, Taiwan products. We are expecting to have a JV partner from China as well as European partners with buy back arrangement. We are also converting our project site as Special Economic Zone so as to get the M-Sips benefit for Solar Cell manufacturing for 5-6 initial years which will make the project viable even with cheap imports. In Topaz Solar, we believe in strategic partnerships especially on buy back agreements will be the best business model especially in Solar Cells and Modules marketing before we start implementation of our Project in Orissa.
Q
What are Topaz Solar’s ambitions for Indian Solar Industry? How competitive will be India’s solar market for you?
Topaz Solar believes that we need to have a bigger capacity in order to have some say in the Indian market in order to get noticed. Hence we have not opted for the land(small parcel) given by the Orissa government at Info valley near Bhubaneswar and went ahead with bigger land to have a minimum of 2GW of Solar Cells and Module capacities. We are also developing a R&D centre and
THE CONVERSATION
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The proactive measures taken by the current NDA government, we feel this is the right moment for us to foray into Solar Module manufacturing in India. And due to encouragement for Solar Cell manufacturing (in SEZ), we have decided to add Solar cell production as part of our project. Right from beginning we were very sure that Safeguard duty recommendations SIR GANESAN NATARAJAN He is pioneer in Metallurgical Coke and Coal Industry in India and well recognized in the International arena. Mechanical Engineer from the Prestigious Madras University. He has undergone extensive training and exposure in architecture and landscaping. Has done research and study for “Producing Hi-Quality Metallurgical Coke and selection aspects of coals and its preparation�.
may not be imposed and even if happens it may not be at the 70% levels as proposed.
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Skill development centre near the Solar Modules Manufacturing Plant to have a ahead of time in terms of technology and also develop a locally groomed less cost labour which will play a big role in bringing down the overhead cost. For R&D as well as skill development we are already in talks with few European research Institutions like ISC Konstanz. As you are aware the consumables like EVA, back sheets now being manufactured with International quality, we can produce high quality solar modules at par with any International price competition.
Q
Can you tell us what will be your growth strategy for India in the next three years? What kind of market share do you eye by the end of 19-20 financial year in India? As I have mentioned earlier, we will have 30-40% of our sales within India in FY19-20 and will gradually increase the domestic sales with implementation of Solar Cell plant in the second phase and Enhancement of Bifacial capacities with 40% more generation and modules with 400Wp power, we would like to be one of the top 5 producers in India by 2020-21.
Q
Please tell us the reasons why have you chosen Appolon Solar France for setting up Bifacial Solar Module Manufacturing plant over there competitors?
We are very much impressed with Appolon Solar’s NICE Technology (New Industrial Solar Cell Encapsulation) mainly for their glass-glass encapsulation with lowest degradation possibilities. Secondly the machines are highly robotic with just 8-10 labour requirements and also occupies very less space with low power consumption. Since the consumables cost other than solar cells are almost 10% less than the conventional modules. Since we have been associated with Appolon since 2014 and has seen their technological up gradation despite their bankruptsy by earlier promoters.
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
Q
How do you see the government’s role in promoting solar module manufacturing in India? Government of India has been focusing on Solar Power since 2014 and having an ambitious target of 100GW by 2022. Schemes like M-Sips on electronic manufacturing (Solar Cells) also capital subsidy of 20% on plant and machinery for both green field and brown field projects. Also imposition of Quality measures on Imported solar modules will reduce the dumping of cheap quality /price modules in the Indian market. Once this is implemented, we are sure that Solar Module manufacturing in India will definitely improve. With WTO agreements government of India may come out with MIP(Minimum Import Price) like the ones we have in European countries. We expect this to happen in next couple of years once we achieve some reasonable targets being achieved.
Q
In your view, what are the areas of major concern in the Indian solar market?
LAND & GRID CONNECTIVITY: Transmission lines are great concern in India and due to that Solar power plants cant be set up at the remote places where land is available at a cheaper cost. Hence, increasing solar power will be challenged by high land cost which are available near the existing Substations. MAINTENANCE: Most of the parts of India where solar power plants are being set up has huge dust problem. Especially in Northern part of India and some parts of South India dust is more sticky and will be difficult to clean. More over water quality is also hard which causes difficulty in maintenance. FINANCE COST & CREDIBILITY OF DISCOMS: Finance cost in India is very high compared to the Western countries. With the current tariffs below the levels of US$ 0.037/KWh will be a major concern till the time the
domestic developers are accessible to funds less than 5-6% Per Annum interest. Apart from the same the credentials/credit ratings of the Discoms are not in good condition. Hence future payment model discounting will be difficult. Currently very few banks are financing solar projects in the competitive manner and accessing funds from abroad will also be expensive due to hedging cost. Solar power can’t replace the conventional power till the time India equip them in a storage technology. Meeting peak demand (i.e. after 6pm) through solar power plant will be difficult without storage technologies. We hope that government of India will also make sure that IPPs are provided with low cost funds with elongated tenure.
Q
International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit, India’s brainchild finally kicked off in the presence of more than 50 member countries. What are your views about this Alliance?
India will reap maximum benefits out of ISA by getting untapped markets to Indian Solar Developers like Chinese players. ISA will also provide a platform to India in accessing the low cost funds for Solar Projects to be implemented in India. ISA has target of mobilising US$1000 Billion for solar implementation in the world, India will get affordable funds to achieve its ambitious target of 100GW of Solar Installations by 2022. The above move will also help India to achieve the power tariff less than the current levels of US$ 0.037/KWh and at par with coal and gas based power tariffs. There are still more than 40-50 countries with more than US$0.10/Wp as Solar tariff who have joined the ISA. India will get a big role to play in the next 15-20 years through ISA and be a dominant player like China today. With 30-40GW addition every year India will become one of the top 3 countries in terms of capacity additions.
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PHILIPPE MONTARNAL Second Counsellor | French Embassy in India Head CEA office in India
On the backdrop of ISA Summit Manas Nandi Speaks to the second counsellor of French Embassy in India about the initiatives that both the countries can bring together to the Green Energy Sector in India.
Q
What are the new trends which are shaping the Solar Energy market specifically to Indian scenario? The current Indian Govt. has a strong nudge towards Solar Energy. The Government has proposed many new initiatives to woo the tech corridors? What are your comments to it?
34 APRIL 2018
India's renewable energy sector is booming. After his election in 2014, Prime Minister N. Modi announced a "saffron revolution" in the field of solar energy, and ambitious targets have been set for wind energy. The government has also committed, as part of its national contribution for COP21, to increase to 40% share of renewable energy in the Indian electricity mix by 2030. The Indian government plans to install 40GW of solar panels on the roof and 60GW in solar farms. The Indian government also intends to make India a world leader in the manufacture of solar panels and batteries for storage. Our analysis at CEA, is that, in the context of a severe international competition, the development of an industrial sector of production for the renewable energies will be able to develop only by a technological SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
approach being distinguished from the current production. We face the same situation in Europe and India. For this reason, it is crucial to join our force to improve the links between R & D players and industrialists.
Q
Which key market is CEA rend ering and what new markets are on the exploratory zone of the company?
The DNA of CEA, as a state technological research organization in close connection with French and international industrials, is to mind the gap from research to industry. For several years, we have initiated a dialogue with Indian institutional and industrial stakeholders in the field of renewable energies. This dialogue has already led to academic and industrial cooperation, which contributes to the objectives of the "Make in India" program, and is carried out in synergy with the International Solar Alliance. Our first axis is to develop institutional collaborations with Indian institutions involved in the development of renewable energy : for one part with MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) and related agencies like NISE (National Institute of Solar Energy) and SECI
(Solar Energy Corporation of India) and for other part with major IITs (Indian Institution of Technology) and Universities. The objective is the establishment of cooperation in the areas of training, mutual access to research facilities, technological development – like demonstrators- or investment in joint research programs. A second axis consists in working with Indian companies for related research and development activities. It could include common feasibility studies to elaborate strategic industrial deployment taking part of CEA expertise and also deploying disruptive technological innovations - developed by CEA in link with French companies - with the main Indian manufacturers in the context of “Make in India”. Many projects are standing out from this growing cooperation and two agreements were signed during State visit in India of the President of the French Republic
Q
The Global Solar Energy cost is expected to decline at a very fast pace in the forecast period (2018-2025). In the field of photovoltaic, the CEA’s research is focusing on improving the output and reducing the costs
THE CONVERSATION of photovoltaic modules. Which technology according to you will drive this cost reduction? Innovation and research is not only on the module technologies but along the whole value chain: from materials, cells, modules up to systems, integration in electrical systems and applications level. At CEA, Research is focused on key enabling technologies as a driver for innovation on process, technologies and materials, as well as procedures, algorithms and energy management tools up to high industrial maturity level. Therefore, CEA model, based on open innovation, allows to offer complementary solutions and technologies dedicated to each actor and complementary along the whole supply chain: from material providers, as well as equipment manufacturers, photovoltaic cells and modules manufacturers as well as system, EPC providers, solar energy producers up to solar energy users. At very early stage of the research, CEA develops and uses demonstrators and prototypes, manufactured on advanced CEA platforms, which are representative from industrial conditions. This is a key condition in order to have fruitful feedback on innovation and in order to prepare efficient future industrial scale-up and integration. As a result, CEA‘s research addresses and provides customized solutions both for the variety of actors from main stream (solar energy) by improving the output and reducing the costs of photovoltaic modules and electrical systems (To enhance PV yields and to decrease costs €/Wc and €/KWh) as well as the variety of actors for specific applications which integrate renewable energy.
Q
CEA and Vikram Solar signed Collaboration Agreement during Honourable French President, Mr Emmanuel Macron’s India visit. Please tell our readers more about this collaboration and how will it help to develop high efficiency low cost solar for the Indian market?
Under the MoU, CEA will share their know-how and technologies in the field of solar energy, storage, smart grid and thermal efficiency while Vikram Solar will apply these technologies in large volume manufacturing with a wider objective of improving solar photovoltaic cells and modules to perform at record-efficiency in energy conversion and simultaneously developing battery solutions by increasing their energy storage capacity. Other advanced research and development areas of collaboration will include crystallization and wafering, mono and bi-facial modules, Agri-photovoltaics, Solar mobility etc. as well as exploring new competitive materials in order to reduce costs.
Q
Please brief us more on the latest research underway for the EV battery technologies.
E-mobility is one of the key topics to support in the energy transition when it is charged within photovoltaic charging stations. However the variability of PV production requires a storage system to benefit from the solar production. Batteries is one storage solution addressed by CEA’s research. In this field, CEA’s approach is to develop advanced technologies covering the whole value chain: from advanced batteries technologies (different chemical families with different maturities are addressed: Li-ion, LMP …) up to energy management systems (advanced battery management systems as well as charging stations). The developed technologies and numerical tools are validated through multiple demonstrators in different domains: automotive, tram and bus but also maritime and aerospace.
Q
Lastly, you being on the leadership role, what will be your mantra for the budding start-up community and young innovators of the Indian photovoltaic industry? Frugal, flexible and inclusive innovations, should pave the way of an India-France technological and industrial cooperation on renewable energy
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In the context of a severe international competition, the development of an industrial sector of production for the renewable energies will be able to develop only by a technological approach being distinguished from the current production. For several years, we have initiated a dialogue with Indian institutional and industrial stakeholders in the field of renewable energies. This dialogue has already led to academic and industrial cooperation, which contributes to the objectives of the "Make in India" program, and is carried out in synergy with the International Solar Alliance. VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
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TECH
METALLIZATION PASTE
for a Constantly Evolving Substrate Introduction A lot of focus in the Photovoltaics (PV) industry is placed on the performance and reliability of final assembled modules and systems. However, further upstream there are hundreds of critical pieces that need to come together first. With >90% of the world’s installed PV being crystalline silicon-based [1], one of the key components is the metallization paste that forms the electrical grid and contacts on this type of cell. Without metallization, no electrons can be collected and therefore no electricity is produced; pretty important right? Metallization paste can be split into two main categories - aluminum or silver-based. Aluminum paste is used on the backside of p-type cells while silver paste is necessary on each side of both p and n-type solar cells.
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Overview Typical thick film silver pastes used on crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells consist of 85-90% Ag powder, 5- 10% organics, 1-5% glass frit and/or other inorganic additives. Each component has a critical role to play in the formation of a high efficiency cell. The silver controls sinter-ability and conductivity, the organic controls the printability and final line shape, while the glass controls specific reactions taking place on the wafer surface as well as adhesion. That sounds simple in theory, but the reality is much more complicated. The truth is that while each component has its primary role, each also reacts with the others, and in the end, each effects SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
the paste in many various ways. For example, choosing a new silver in order to make a more conductive line might inhibit adhesion of the printed finger line to the wafer. Choosing a new organic system for a finer line width might increase contact resistance resulting in lower efficiency, and so on. Taking on the Challenge The PV industry has been very successful in increasing module efficiency and lowering costs over the years by constantly making improvements to every component, and especially improvements to cell design and silicon wafer processing. For Heraeus Photovoltaics, the market leader in silver
- Ryan Mayberry, Heraeus Photovoltaics metallization paste for the PV industry, a changing substrate has recently been one of the few constants. Most times, when the wafer changes, the metallization paste needs to change too in order to achieve the best result. Our approach is to try to learn as much as possible about a new substrate - everything from emitter profile (dopant concentration and depth), to quantum efficiency, to surface morphology, to the diffuse and spectral reflectivity (Figure 1) of the new surface. Ideally, we also have knowledge of the overall cell structure and passivation layers. Each wafer characteristic has a role to play in determining the most compatible metallization paste which will yield the highest efficiency. Following an experience and data-based approach, Heraeus is able to hold and grow its market leading position in an ever-changing market by quickly offering customized pastes for each new wafer developed by our customers. Over the past few years, the paste business has been characterized by increasing customization. An easy way to confirm this is looking through historical product releases. In 2014 Heraeus announced the release of less than five new products to market; in 2017 that number skyrocketed to over 25. The paste market is no longer a one paste fits all model. Increased competition, advancing knowledge, and ever-heightening price-to-performance pressure requires the highest achievable efficiency on each type in order to meet market demands. Last year is as far as we need to look to find a case study regarding this exact model. Diamond Wire Cut Multi-crystalline Wafers The benefit of diamond wire saw cutting versus traditional slurry cutting is a large reduction of polysilicon waste, directly improving final price-per-watt cost. There are currently three primary “types� of
TECH diamond wire cut multi-crystalline (DWC) wafers. The three types are a result of different texturing process options after cutting, which is the key to the recent emergence of DWC wafers. Two of these fall into the so-called “black silicon” category. These are Metal Catalyzed Chemical Etching (MCCE) and Reaction Ion Etching (RIE), and they are referred to as black silicon because the etching process significantly reduces surface reflectivity. More captured photons equals more electrons generated, thereby improving efficiency versus standard multi-crystalline cells. The other type of DWC wafer is generally referred to DWC with additive (also DWC – additive, or commonly just DWC by convention). While this process in fact slightly increases surface reflectivity, unlike the black silicon wafers, it requires no additional processing steps compared to traditional multi-crystalline, giving it a clear cost advantage. The surface variation between the different types of wafers can be seen via SEM images in Figure 2. As can been easily seen, the DWC wafers have a drastically different surface texture than standard multi wafers, and the differences between one type of DWC wafer and another are just as large. Because DWC multi cells outperform traditional multi ones on a priceper-watt basis, the market has quickly shifted to them. In fact, it is estimated that by the end of 2018, almost all silicon wafers will be diamond wire cut [2]. The issue comes with a standard paste’s ability to sufficiently adhere to these new wafer surfaces and potentially reduce the reliability of the final module. When considering the lofty warranties placed on modules of up to 30 years, ribbon adhesion failure is not an option. The solution Late last year, Heraeus announced the release of its newest product, SOL9651D. This paste was a direct response to the need for higher adhesion to DWC wafers. The huge change in front-surface morphology of DWC wafers is the cause of new adhesion requirements. Basically, silver paste optimized on past wafer types just doesn’t give the adhesive strength necessary to reliably produce modules. For Heraeus and its DWC-using customers, SOL9651D was the answer. SOL9651D features a new glass with great adhesion and reliability on DWC/Black-silicon cells and a specially designed organic vehicle for DWC/Black-silicon texturing. The result is a silver paste with each component, and each mix of components, working to satisfy each condition needed for top of the line performance on DWC wafers: an organic system capable of defect
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free, fine line printing meaning optimal viscosity behavior and wetting on the new textured surface, a glass system which results in some of the highest adhesion values on the market without compromising in contact resistance or Voc, and a silver system that forms a highly conductive, densely sintered finger line which is compatible with both glass and vehicle in order to enable, and assist, in each of these properties. Conclusion With each new wafer type that comes around, the goal is never to just make a new metallization paste that works. The goal is to quickly produce a new metallization paste that performs at the maximum level of the wafer it is used on. Each wafer has its theoretical performance limit before it is metallized, and the goal of the paste is to stay as close to that limit as possible. Each day that a customer is printing a less-than-optimal paste on their cells is another day where PV modules will be produced which generate electricity below their true potential. For diamond wire cut multi-crystalline wafers, SOL9651D ensures all modules perform at the maximum capability of the wafers used within. Supporting Figures
Figure 1: Graph showing significant changes in reflectivity for standard multi-crystalline wafers versus MCCE and Additve wafers. MCCE, a type of black silicon, shows significantly lower reflectivity, especially at lower wavelengths. In this case, an Additive textured wafer actually shows slightly lower reflectivity at low wavelengths and slightly higher reflectivity at high wavelengths.
Figure 2: SEM Images at 5000x of (A) standard multi-crystalline (B) typical diamond wire cut - MCCE and (C) typical diamond wire cut – Additive, wafer surfaces. In each image, the area is representative of the entire front surface of each p-type wafer processed using varying techniques.
References [1] Martin Green, “Commercial Progress and Challenges for Photovoltaics," Nature Energy 1, Article ID 15015, 2016. [2] Colville, F. (Feb. 2018) Polysilicon consumption to decline below 4g/W in Q3 2018. www.pv-tech.org.
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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
DEBATE
What happens to all the “green” infrastructure when it reaches the end of its life? The question is how will India dispose 100 gigawatt (GW) worth of solar panels in the next 20 years? While the production of solar energy is green, is there a well thought out and environment-friendly plan for end-of-life treatment of Solar PV panels and associated equipment? So, with exponentially ramping up of solar power generation, how would we address the prospect of used panels inundating landfills and leaching toxic waste into the environment? These are the most intriguing questions that require answers not just from the industry players but from the Government as well. Disposal and recycling of photovoltaic (PV) modules are of key importance for a successful growth of environmental sustainability. Photovoltaic panels are designed to last more than 25 years, and many manufacturers back their products with performance guarantees backed by warranties. The lifespan of a solar photovoltaic panel is approximately 2030 years, and hence the repercussions of waste from used PV modules are not glaring presently. When it comes
to India, majority of the solar panels are less than 15 years old and this is why the knowledge of disposal of solar panels and the possible harmful effects caused by them to environment is not a serious concern right now. A significant increase in the amount of end-of-life PV modules is expected over the next few decades. Lack of awareness, technology, and poor infrastructure for PV cell recycling are major constraints for the solar panel recycling market. Why the issue is so important? A 2016 study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that panel recycling will represent an estimated $15 billion opportunity by 2050. The same study projects India as the producer of over 78 million tonnes of solar e-waste by 2050. The report further highlighted cumulative PV waste generated in India was between 10002500 metric tonne in 2016 which will
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probably rise to 50,000-320,000 metric tonne by 2030, and further culminating in 4.4-7.5 million metric tonne by 2050 as a result of country’s solar targets. Thus it’s imperative to manage the disposal of PV waste that is generated at the end-of-life of these PV solar modules. In just about three decades, IRENA has estimated that global panel waste could be as high as 78 million tons. The US alone is expected to account for 10 million tons of retired panels. A 2013 investigation by the Associated Press found that from 2007 to 2011, the manufacture of solar panels in California “produced 46.5 million pounds of sludge and contaminated water. Roughly 97 percent of it was taken to hazardous waste facilities throughout the state, but more than 1.4 million pounds were transported to nine other states.”
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And if recycling processes were not put in place, there would be 60 million tons of PV panels waste lying in landfills by the year 2050; since all PV cells contain certain amount of toxic substances that would truly become a not-so-sustainable way of sourcing energy. Some solar panels also contain rare elements, such as gallium and indium. Their loss through indiscriminate solar panel disposal could result in permanent depletion of these substances in the future. Recycling these materials helps conserve the supplies of these finite resources. Lack of Regulations The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) have incorporated some clauses on waste handling under the E-Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules. In fact, solar PV tenders issued by NTPC and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) place the endof-life responsibility on the Solar Power Developers ‘as prescribed under the E-Waste Management Rules. However, it does not specifically mention about the issue of management of used components of solar power systems—it only addresses household electronics and not PV panels. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the responsibility of disposal of solar PV cells and modules rests with developers. In the guidelines issued for grid-connected solar power projects under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010, there is a clause for disposal of solar panels. It states that “the developers will ensure that all solar PV modules collected from their plant after their ‘end of life’ (when they become defective/non-operational/ non-repairable) are disposed off in accordance with the ‘e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules’ notified by the government and as revised and amended from time to time”. In the current scenario, it is mostly the unorganised waste collectors who are interested in aggregating e-waste, including panels and batteries. This can be gauged from the fact that, there were
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less than 200 recyclers and dismantlers of e-waste registered with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India, by the end of 2016. International Practices The solar PV recycling industry is prevalent in western countries. The global solar panel recycling market will be worth over US$ 384 million by 2025, Grand View Research suggests. The European Union has formulated guidelines around waste generated from solar panels. There is an international PV industry programme called “PV Cycle” that has been set up to address the recycling issue for solar power. As per the regulations, solar panel disposal falls under the European Union’s WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive and places the onus on the manufacturer to responsibly collect back the solar modules and dispose it. The solar panel recycling market in China is projected to reach a value of more than US$ 50 million by the end of 2024. China has also started the PV Recycling and Safety Disposal Research program, which is a part of its national high-tech R&D program. Furthermore, China is drafting stringent laws and regulations to tackle rising volumes of solar PV panel waste. When it comes to US, no such universal regulation exists yet at the federal level,
except for the minority of panels that fail the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP test) and thus are subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). In contrast, California has already enacted legislation governing solar panel disposal, and it’s likely that other states will follow suit in the future. In December 2017, Japan acknowledged the repercussions that the decommissioned solar panels could cause. The Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA) voluntarily issued guidelines, which are not enforceable yet strongly recommended to the industry, on ‘proper disposal’ of used solar modules. Countries of the Middle East and Africa have also adopted the regulations for solar PV panels recycling and also started to implement robust methodologies to tackle solar PV waste volumes. Private Companies In the US, companies such as First Solar, Engie, Abound Solar and Suntech have stated that they design their panels with end-of-life in mind. First Solar claims its recycling recovers up to 90% of materials. The company boasts its state-of-the-art recycling facilities are operational in the U.S., Germany and Malaysia, with a scalable capacity to accommodate high volume recycling as more modules reach the end of
DEBATE
their 25+ year life. First Solar further claims its proven recycling process achieves high recovery rates; up to 90 percent of the semiconductor material can be reused in new modules and 90 percent of the glass can be reused in new glass products. Engie has partnered with environmental solutions provider Suez to develop 1 GW solar plants across all the recycling & recovery waste storage facilities in mainland France. The two companies aim to establish 1GW of solar plants across 100 sites. Abound Solar has a “cradle-to-cradle” programme. They reclaim both tellurium and cadmium from its modules at end-of-life and reuse the materials. Over 90 percent of Abound Solar’s components are recycled. Suntech uses easy to recycle, non-resourceconstrained materials to ensure that the materials at the end of life of the panels can also be recycled and reused. What could to be done? The first and foremost step government should take at this time is to set up mechanisms for solar waste management. And at the initial level, it must include solar PV panels in the existing e-waste management rules so as to regulate its recycling. The three principles of waste management are the 3R—reduce, reuse and recycle. Since India announced an ambitious goal to increasing renewable power capacity to 175 gigawatts (GW) by 2022, with 100 GW of solar, so reducing e-waste is a limited option and this is why it becomes imperative focus on — reuse and recycle. Given the rapid increase in production and installation of PV systems, recycling of PV modules is becoming more and more important. Recycling units will create additional employment opportunities PV panels will become double ‘green products’ by both serving as a source of renewable energy generation and being able to reused for the same or different purposes after their life cycle ends. However, one major concern about solar panels is about the materials used in the solar panels which make recycling a challenge. According to a 2017 study conducted by a US-based research and policy organisation
in the field of clean energy, it warns that toxic waste from used solar panels now poses a global environmental threat due to the use of heavy metals, including lead, chromium, and cadmium. It is high time India builds and adequately regulates the PV recycling industry because the components of solar modules is not all made of biodegradable materials. Although solar energy is hailed as ‘green’, the manufacturing process associated with silicon based solar cells releases large amounts of pollutants, overshadowing the eco-friendly status of solar power. This is the reason why the producers/manufacturers must use greener and environmentally sustainable elements. In this regard, NTPC and SECI have initiated few steps towards making PV cleaner in India by opening up the technical requirement of PV backsheets allowing equally performing but more sustainable backsheets to be used in the solar PV panels. The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) think tank is also undertaking a long-term project for recycling of solar PV modules and battery technologies. As a first step, in the off-grid sector, manufacturers and retailers of off-grid products must be mandated to ensure inclusion of relevant text about safe disposal of panels. When it comes to big-sized tenders, bidders must be mandated to submit proof of evidence for having trained manpower resources and adequate facilities for
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management of solar waste. In the off-grid areas, setting up institutional mechanisms for waste aggregation will prove to be useful. Not only will PV recycling create greener job opportunities but also approximately $13 billion in recoverable value by 2050. This huge influx will make it possible to produce 2 billion new panels without the need to invest in raw materials. This means that there will be the capacity of producing large amount of energy just from reusing previously used materials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the World Sustainability Summit in Delhi reiterated his call for zero environmental effect of technology deployment. This calls for a close look at the use of the right materials, efficient design and operations and robust recycling programmes. Though the government has taken a great step towards green energy, it should not miss the opportunity to overshadow this serious issue as the problems owing to heaps of decommissioned panels may intensify only 5-10 years from now, it would be prudent to address the problem in its early stages rather than when we are already in the middle of it. The time has come to take the action now! - Aaqib@meilleurmedia.com
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A New Approach towards Highly Efficient and Air-Stable Perovskite Solar Cells Research into the use of perovskite materials as solar cells has boomed in the last several years, following reports of high energy conversion efficiencies, which have continued to climb. New research published in the journal Materials Today reveals how to improve the lifetime of these solar cells. Despite the intense interest in the materials for solar energy applications, "improving the stability of perovskite solar cells is a challenging task," explains Dr. Chang Kook Hong, corresponding author, from Chonnam National University in South Korea. Perovskite is the general term for any mineral that has the same crystal structure as a particular form of calcium titanium oxide, first unearthed in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1839 and named for the Russian mineralogist L. A. Perovski. The unique structure of perovskites can be tweaked for particular properties by changing the various cations and anions from which they are formed. Fundamentally, the structure has the general chemical formula ABX3 where the 'A' and the 'B' represent positivelycharged metal ions, cations, that are very different in size, and the 'X' is a negatively charged anion that bonds to both metal cations linking them together in the crystal. Perovskites can be synthesized in the laboratory very cheaply and formed into thin films that can be incorporated into solar cells. Cations need not be metal ions, but can be any positively-charged ion, such as the ammonium ion or an organic ion; provided A and B are different sizes and a suitable negative ion is used they
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will give the perovskite structure. SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
Dr. Hong and colleagues have developed
doped, highly expensive, unstable HTLs
a method known as co-precipitation to
by replacing low-cost, inorganic air-
make a thin film comprising nanoporous
stable p and n-type metal oxides," Dr.
nickel oxide as the hole transporting layer
Mali added.
(HTL) for a perovskite solar cell that uses
Preliminary tests of the prowess of their
the unique composition of FAPbI3 and or
device using these perovskites device
MAPbBr3 as the perovskite layer.
architecture revealed a 19.10 percent (+/-
Holes are the positive equivalent of
1 percent) power conversion efficiency.
negative electrons in discussions of
The current density of the device was
electrochemistry. FAPbI3 is formami-
almost 23 milliamps per square centimeter
dinium lead iodide and MAPbBr3 is
and it could generate 1.076 Volts.
methylammonium lead bromide. In
Importantly, the device could sustain
addition, they used an organic air-stable
four-fifths of this level of efficiency in use
inorganic zinc oxide nanoparticles
for around five months.
compound as the ETL (electron
The team suggests that their approach
transporting layer) in order to protect
could lead the way to highly efficient and
perovskite layer from air.
air-stable perovskite solar cells. "This
"We successfully optimized the metal
technique is limited to the laboratory
oxide based HTL and ETL protecting
scale, however large-scale fabrication
layers for highly efficient perovskite
should also be possible with this device
absorber by a simple method which can
architecture," said Dr. Hong.
make air-stable photovoltaics," explains co-author Dr. Sawanta Mali. "Our main goal is to solve the problem of the tedious process of making conventional additive-
TECH
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Potassium Offers Perovskite-Based Solar Cells an Efficiency Boost A simple potassium solution could boost the efficiency of next-generation solar cells, by enabling them to convert more sunlight into electricity. An international team of researchers led by the University of Cambridge found that the addition of potassium iodide ‘healed’ the defects and immobilised ion movement, which to date have limited the efficiency of cheap perovskite solar cells. These next-generation solar cells could be used as an efficiency-boosting layer on top of existing silicon-based solar cells, or be made into stand-alone solar cells or coloured LEDs. The results are reported in the journal Nature. The solar cells in the study are based on metal halide perovskites – a promising group of ionic semiconductor materials that in just a few short years of development now rival commercial thin film photovoltaic technologies in terms of their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. Perovskites are cheap and easy to produce at low temperatures, which makes them attractive for next-generation solar cells and lighting. Despite the potential of perovskites, some limitations have hampered their efficiency and consistency. Tiny defects in the crystalline structure of perovskites, called traps, can cause electrons to get ‘stuck’ before their energy can be harnessed. The easier that electrons can move around in a solar cell material, the more efficient that material will be at converting photons, particles of light, into electricity. Another issue is that ions can move around in the solar cell when illuminated, which can cause a change in the bandgap – the colour of light the material absorbs. “So far, we haven’t been able to make these materials stable with the bandgap we need, so we’ve been trying to immobilise the ion movement by tweaking the chemical composition of the perovskite layers,” said Dr Sam Stranks
from Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, who led the research. “This would enable perovskites to be used as versatile solar cells or as coloured LEDs, which are essentially solar cells run in reverse.” In the study, the researchers altered the chemical composition of the perovskite layers by adding potassium iodide to perovskite inks, which then self-assemble into thin films. The technique is compatible with roll-to-roll processes, which means it is scalable and inexpensive. The potassium iodide formed a ‘decorative’ layer on top of the perovskite which had the effect of ‘healing’ the traps so that the electrons could move more freely, as well as immobilising the ion movement, which makes the material more stable at the desired bandgap. The researchers demonstrated promising performance with the perovskite bandgaps ideal for layering on top of a silicon solar cell or with another perovskite layer – so-called tandem solar cells. Silicon tandem solar cells are the most likely first widespread application of perovskites. By adding a perovskite layer, light can be more efficiently harvested from a wider range of the solar spectrum. “Potassium stabilises the perovskite bandgaps we want for tandem solar cells and makes them more luminescent, which means more efficient solar cells,” said Stranks, whose research is funded by the European Union and the European
Research Council’s Horizon 2020 Programme. “It almost entirely manages the ions and defects in perovskites.” “We’ve found that perovskites are very tolerant to additives – you can add new components and they’ll perform better,” said first author Mojtaba Abdi-Jalebi, a PhD candidate at the Cavendish Laboratory who is funded by Nava Technology Limited. “Unlike other photovoltaic technologies, we don’t need to add an additional layer to improve performance, the additive is simply mixed in with the perovskite ink.” The perovskite and potassium devices showed good stability in tests, and were 21.5% efficient at converting light into electricity, which is similar to the best perovskite-based solar cells and not far below the practical efficiency limit of silicon-based solar cells, which is (29%). Tandem cells made of two perovskite layers with ideal bandgaps have a theoretical efficiency limit of 45% and a practical limit of 35% - both of which are higher than the current practical efficiency limits for silicon. “You get more power for your money,” said Stranks. The research has also been supported in part by the Royal Society and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The international team included researchers from Cambridge, Sheffield University, Uppsala University in Sweden and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.
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Monocrystalline Silicon Thin Film Cheaper and Faster to Fabricate A research team from Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) and Waseda University have successfully produced high-quality thin film monocrystalline silicon with a reduced crystal defect density down to the silicon wafer level at a growth rate that is more than 10 times higher than before. In principle, this method can improve the raw material yield to nearly 100%. Therefore, it can be expected that this technology will make it possible to drastically reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining the power generation efficiency of monocrystalline silicon solar cells, which are used in most high efficient solar cells. Solar power generation is a method of generating power where solar light energy is converted directly into electricity using a device called a "solar cell." Efficiently converting the solar energy that is constantly striking the earth to generate electricity is an effective solution to the problem of global warming related to CO2 emissions. By making the monocrystalline Si solar cells that are at the core of solar power generation systems thinner, it is possible to greatly reduce raw material costs, which account for about 40% of the current module, and by making them flexible and lighter, usage can be expected to expand and installation costs can be expected to decrease. In addition, as a method of reducing manufacturing cost, thin-film monocrystalline Si solar cells that use porous silicon (Double Porous Silicon Layer: DPSL) via lift-off are attracting attention as having a competitive edge in the future. Among the technical challenges related to monocrystalline Si solar cells using lift-off are 1) the formation of a high-quality thin film Si at the Si wafer level, 2) achieving a porous structure that can easily be lifted
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off (peeled off), 3) improving the growth rate and Si raw material yield (necessary equipment costs are determined by the growth rate), and 4) being able to use the substrate after lift-off without any waste. In order to overcome challenge 1), it was necessary to clarify the main factors that determine the quality of thin film crystals grown on porous silicon, and to develop a technique for controlling these. Overview of Research Achievement A joint research team consisting of Professor Manabu Ihara and Assistant Professor Kei Hasegawa of the Tokyo Tech, and Professor Suguru Noda of Waseda University has developed a high-quality thin film monocrystalline silicon with a thickness of about 10 um and a reduced crystal defect density down to the silicon wafer level at a growth rate that is more than 10 times higher than before. First, double-layer nano-order porous silicon is generated on the surface of a monocrystalline wafer using an electrochemical technique. Next, the surface was smoothed to a roughness of 0.2 to 0.3 nm via a unique zone heating recrystallization method (ZHR method), and this substrate was used for high-speed growth to obtain a moonocrystalline thin film with high crystal quality. The grown film can easily be peeled off using the double-layer porous Si layer, and the substrate can be reused or used as an evaporation source for thin film growth, which greatly reduces material loss. When the surface roughness of the underlying substrate is reduced by changing the ZHR method conditions, the defect density of the thin film crystal that was grown decreased, and the team eventually succeeded in reducing it to the Si wafer level of about 1/10th. This quantitatively shows that a surface roughness in the range of only 0.1-0.2 nm (level of atoms to several tens of layers)
has an important impact on the formation of crystal defects, which is also of interest as a crystal growth mechanism. The film formation rate and the conversion rate of the Si source to the thin film Si are bottlenecks in the production of thin-film monocrystalline Si. With chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which is mainly used for epitaxy, the maximum film forming rate is a few um/h and the yield is about 10%. At the Noda Laboratory of Waseda University, instead of the regular physical vapor deposition (PVD) where raw Si is vaporized at around its melting point of 1414 ?C, by vaporizing the raw Si at much higher temperature of >2000 ?C, a rapid evaporation method (RVD) was developed with a high Si vapor pressure capable of depositing Si at 10 um/min. It was found that the ZHR technology developed this time can resolves technical problems and drastically reduce the manufacturing cost of the lift-off process. Future Development Based on the results of this study, not only did the team discover the main factors for improving the quality of crystals during rapid growth on porous silicon used for the lift-off process, they succeeded in controlling these. In the future, measurement of the carrier lifetime of the thin film, which is directly connected to the performances of solar cells, and fabrication of solar cells will be carried out with the goal of putting the technology into practical use. The use of this Si thin films as low cost bottom cells in tandem type solar cells with an efficiency of over 30% will also be considered. The results are published in the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) journal CrystEngComm and will be featured on the inside front cover of the issue.
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STORAGE
THE CONVERSATION
HARSH THACKER
Sr Analyst- MOVE (Moving Onwards Vehicle Electrification) Infrastructure, workforce, technological aptness and right policies are all held on the desk to spark the set target of India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) target. Various bodies, companies are sharing expertise to edify the EV ecosystem. Challenges and scopes both have been buoyant for this nascent revolution in the automobile segment. In a candid chat with Saur Energy’s Associate Editor, Niloy Banerjee; Harsh Thacker, Sr Analyst- MOVE (Moving Onwards Vehicle Electrification), IESA harped on its new initiative MOVE and on how the premier body is devising the future of Indian EV sector. Edited Nub
Q
With all automobile companies helming towards Electric Vehicles, demand for energy and suitable ecosystem is the initial glitch, how is IESA working to outpace these snags?
India has a significant market potential for batteries and electric vehicles. Our analysis projects the EV market potential for India would be around 77 million between now and 2030 which translates to cumulative demand of 800 GWh over the next 12 years for advanced energy storage systems. For this growth to take place it is essential that appropriate charging infrastructure gets built to provide confidence for consumers to switch to electric vehicles. To support this transition, IESA has launched a new initiative called MOVE: Moving Onward to Vehicle Electrification with a goal of developing sustainable ecosystem for charging infrastructure and services. IESA is also working towards making India a global hub for R&D and manufacturing of advanced energy storage systems, so that we are not dependent on imports to meet this growing demand. As part of IESA activities, we have established three working groups i.e. Policy, Business and Technology for exchange of ideas between the various stakeholders. On the technological front, IESA is leading efforts for knowledge transfer in the area of energy storage recycling, standards and testing. Applications Vs Technology, Technology Performance, Safety Evaluation and
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standards Protocol and Innovations and Advanced Technological Development are few critical aspects which will be covered under the Technology group.
Q
How is IESA currently posing to drive the EV ecosystem in India?
IESA has also launched an initiative, MOVE, to focus on creation of robust EV and charging infrastructure in India. To accelerate EV adoption we require policy support from the government. Over past 2 years, we have been working with Department of Heavy Industries, Department of Science & Technology as well as NITI Aayog to provide inputs on the electric vehicles and associated ecosystem. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recently constituted expert committee to draft the National Energy Storage Mission and IESA is part of the expert committee. The mission will cover aspects related to the charging infrastructure as well as battery requirements for EVs. Once this mission document is in place it will act like a guiding document. IESA along with International Centre for Automotive Technology (iCAT) had organized the 1st Electric Vehicle Conclave at the iCAT campus in May 2017. This conclave brought together various stakeholders across the Indian EV Industry, from battery manufacturers to EV Manufacturers to policy makers, making it an exclusive event to explore EV business opportunities. This year the
2nd Electric Vehicle Conclave will be held on 17th and 18th May 2018.
Q
Setting up a charging infrastructure is an attractive prospect, given the lucrative market potential projected to be around 90 billion units (BU) of electricity. Though figures are old but when compared; India generated 1,107 BU in 2015-16 evidently slating the potential of this sector in 2018? What strategies has the association enveloped to pave the long-run goals of this nascent industry?
Traditionally one of the challenges for building electric charging infrastructure was that it had to be done by licensed distribution companies /utilities. Currently, most of the charging stations are owned by Government utilities and PSUs on pilot mode in India or provided as a free service by auto companies. Apart from these pilot projects Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and State Distribution companies have floated a few tenders to install charging stations across India mainly for the 20,000 EVs they are purchasing for various government departments. As part of the anticipated EV policy, charging infrastructure is anticipated to be allowed to be built on a service model as well. This can attract number of new players to the field and also open up new business models for accelerating adoption of EVs. NITI Aayog had invited comments and suggestions on its plan for ‘Zero Emission’
mobility from all stakeholders earlier in January. India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) was invited for the consultation. We also shared our comments in consultation from our members on the National Auto Policy (Draft) by the Ministry of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprise
Q
What key challenges do you purview in the current EV market?
A key drawback under the government’s current EV initiatives is the lack of a single point nodal agency for all the programmes and policies. Considering the EV landscape is evolving in India, it is acceptable that various policies and schemes are mooted by different government ministries and agencies. However, going forward it would be ideal to have a single ministry/nodal agency responsible for all EV related policies and projects. An example would be UK’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles which is an exclusive agency working on electrification of transport while being part of Department of Transport and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Indian companies have successful built electric cars in recent past and are lining up Electric Buses to be provided to state transportation. Batteries are critical component for EVs and there is a big gap as currently there is no li-ion cell manufacturing taking place in India. Numbers of IITs and national research labs have been working on research in area of li-ion batteries. At the same time, there is a big gap in commercialization of this innovation as well as linking R&D to needs and timelines required by industry. Hence, most of the local manufacturing companies if interested in setting up li-ion cell manufacturing plant in India may need to license technologies from counties like Korea, Japan, China, Germany, the US, Canada, the UK or Australia. This has been also the case in the lead acid industry, where leading lead acid providers have traditionally licensed intellectual property from US, Japanese or Chinese companies. R&D in some of key areas for electric vehicles including battery performance, power electronics devices, advanced e-vehicles testing, battery testing etc., should be encouraged. Similarly, for charging or swapping stations, we need various components which are currently being imported. Here is a huge opportunity for local tool and component makers to design and manufacture in India. Local component suppliers currently engaged in supplying component to the auto industry have an opportunity to diversify to manufacture components for EVs. India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is closely working with India Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association (IEEMA) to prepare capacity building amongst Indian industry for this opportunity.
STORAGE
THE CONVERSATION
Q
How ambitious do you think is the 2030 EV target for India? Your comments?
Government of India has clearly decided to prioritize electric vehicles with a goal of having 100% EVs by 2030. Although in past couple of months there seem to be some confusion on the exact details of this goal, with some departments suggesting relaxing the target to 30% by 2030. So currently there is a significant uncertainty in the extent of the target. But even 30% EV penetration by 2030 would be a huge achievement for the industry. Most of the developed countries have taken more than a decade to even get to 10% EV penetration. At the same time, in next 5 years, it is anticipated that with the continued drop in price of key components, EVs would become cost competitive to ICE vehicles even on the upfront capital cost. So, it is highly desirable that Indian policy makers set an ambitious target for EVs. D epending on how the charging infrastructure is created and associated policies are developed, this may or may not require substantial new generation capacity. E.g. with 100 GW of anticipated solar capacity added by 2022, India is expected to have a net load curve which has sufficient capacity for taking additional load during afternoon. If we can have sufficient public charging facilities which can be used for charging EVs during the day, then this can actually solve a problem of low net loads during the times when maximum solar energy is being produced. Energy Storage is a key component of this and there are number of ways in which EV adoption could be transformative for the grid. With better tariff structures and use of right storage technologies in EVs, we could also use EVs as distributed storage and provide grid balancing services. This transformation will not only help in greening the transportation fleet by
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reducing diesel / petrol consumption and
EVs. NITI Aayog has already evaluated
associated emissions, but will also help in
the policy option of providing feebates
greening the grid if EVs are used for better
to promote adoption of EV.
integration of renewable resources in grid.
The key to having an efficient charging
What will be prospected picture of a holistic EV ecosystem in India in 2018 and maybe a year after?
infrastructure begins with a comprehensive
We anticipate that with global scale up
key to developing a pan-India charging
in manufacturing, the advanced energy
infrastructure. The DHI Bharat charger
storage prices will continue to drop by over
standards already propose a common
10% in 2018. With introduction of various
standard for both charging and payment
EVs (across 2W, 3W, 4W and commercial
mechanism. To ensure interoperability,
vehicles), India will start witnessing
standardization can be adopted in range
adoption of EVs in 2018, fueled by central
of battery size, plug technology, payment
procurement led by EESL and various state
standards etc. without hampering the
agencies. 2018 should also witness pickup
existing systems. If global trends are an
of EV charging infrastructure deployment
indication, software will play a major role for
in various metro cities.
convenient charging, last mile connectivity
If we start deploying energy storage
and promote people to opt for plans that are
projects in a systematic manner this
compatible with multiple service providers.
can create a huge interest for local
It will help utilities and service providers
manufacturing and system integration
to map the supply-demand from EVs and
capabilities. By mid-2018, India will
provide suitable incentives.
have over 1 GWh of li-ion battery pack
India has a talent pool but lack on the
manufacturing capacity. We also
R&D facilities for battery and cell man-
anticipate that in 2018 at least two li-ion
ufacturing. There is a need for supply chain
cell manufacturing plants with capacity
strategy. In the past 3 years India has
of 1 GWh or more will start construction
witnessed creation of 100s of Accelerators /
in India with anticipated completion for
Incubators that are focusing on information
early 2020, bringing India on the global
technology / healthcare area. There is a
map of Giga Factories.
need for a special incubator to nurture
Lastly, do you think how swiftly India can adapt the EV revolution? To add, do we have the suitable resources, talent pool and Govt. amendments in place for the EV future?
early stage electric vehicles and energy
The EV market is slated to be driven
with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). IESA is
by both incentives and also other market
also working with Skill India initiative and
dynamics that will bring down the cost
various academic partners to identify skill
of Electric Vehicles (EVs) comparable to
and training gaps in this area.
Q
Q
gasoline powered vehicles. Similarly the growth in the manufacturing sector with added incentives like export credit can help India turn into an export market for
planning. NITI Aayog has already proposed a consultation for EV charging. Similarly standardization and interoperability is
storage technology startups and provide them suitable facilities for accelerating their progress from lab to commercialization. IESA has been working on creation of such Incubator for energy storage sector in line
STORAGE
THE CONVERSATION
ATUL ARYA
Head, Energy Systems, Panasonic India Regulatory Framework Needs New Amendments for Storage Projects To boost new storage projects, present regulatory framework will require new amendments, and ancillary services should include battery storage systems, believes Atul Arya, Head, Energy Systems, Panasonic India, one of the leading consumer electronics and home appliances products manufacturing companies in India. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Arya spoke at length by sharing his company’s future plans on renewable energy sector and key trends that will shape the energy storage industry. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.
Q
How Panasonic is contributing towards India’s clean energy initiative? The management philosophy of Panasonic is based on the belief of its founder Konosuke Matsushita, who said: since a company runs its business by borrowing people, things, money, land, and so forth from the society, a company is “a public entity of society”. Following this philosophy and advice from founder to make contribution to society, we have been working in the “Energy Storage Solutions” space in India since FY 2013. We have been offering lithium-ion battery-based energy solutions in India for the last three years, to reduce diesel consumption in telecom infrastructure and other segments. We have already accumulated over $100 million in revenue from the telecom vertical alone in the country.
Q
Could you elaborate our readers about Panasonic India’s foray into new storage solutions?
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Since the inception of the Panasonic
grid connected distributed generation
India’s energy storage solutions division
systems can be provided on demand.
in 2013, the company traditionally has supplied its storage solutions to the Telecom and ATM banking sector. We have now started to explore opportunities in the space of general commercial
Q
What is the company’s current Telecom led energy storage business, and its future plan of action?
and industrial buildings. This includes warehouses and commercial factories
Until now we’ve been supplying lithium
which cannot afford to shut down
ion batteries to within the telecom tower
because of sudden power cut. We are
segment, to companies such as Reliance
also supplying batteries to data centres
Jio, Indus Towers and ATC Towers.
that need a highly reliable power backup.
We have supplied storage batteries to
Lithium-ion batteries are also preferred
over 40,000 telecom towers across the
in this market segment because they
country, and command a market share
are compact, very high efficiency,
of 35% within the mid-size segment.
negligible heat loss and possible to
Going forward we are looking to introduce
monitor performance & diagnose in real
our state of the art Compact Business
time. Long life of these batteries reduce
Power Solution – the CBPS 8000. This
O&M and replacement costs and efforts
single cabinet solution essentially houses
to negligible values.
all the imperative functional tools in
Further we have also begun or voyage
a single box which manages power
within the Rural Microgrids segment as
requirements at the site comprehensively.
well, with our solution called ‘Off Grid’ 2.0.
With the introduction of this solution we
This offering is ready for grid connectivity
are looking to expand our market share
and when the need arises, add on
within the segment to 50% in the next
tools for management of multi-location,
2-3 years.
We have also begun or voyage within the Rural Microgrids segment as well, with our solution called ‘Off Grid’ 2.0. This offering is ready for grid connectivity and when the need arises, add on tools for management of multi-location, grid connected distributed generation systems can be provided on demand. On a year on year basis, Panasonic India’s energy storage business has been growing at ATUL ARYA
45%. Further we’re
“In his current role, he is spearheading Panasonic’s ambition to be a leader in the Energy Storage Market – a bourgeoning segment with immense potential – in India and other emerging countries. For over two decades, he has honed his skills in multi-cultural environments and various markets, among which are India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China. He has also gained experience in Manufacturing, Data Centers and T&D sector with many global companies.”
looking at rolling out our energy storage solutions for Data Centres by Q2 of FY 2018-19. VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
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STORAGE
THE CONVERSATION
Q
Due to lack of adequate electricity storage facilities in India, around 15-20% of renewable energy produced is wasted. How Panasonic is making its contribution towards the current power infrastructure of the nation? We are looking to tackle this issue with the use of Lithium ion based battery, which have emerged as the technology of choice as they out perform all the other competing technologies in terms of size, capacity, efficiency, and environmental impact. The efficiency of lithium ion based batteries is in upwards of 90%, and something we use in all our storage solutions across.
Q
As Panasonic has transformed its approach from productcentric to a solutions provider, how it will be helpful in shaping the company to align with global objectives of growth in the renewable energy sector, given its increasing B2B focus? At a global level there are two pillars which are driving growth for Panasonic Corporation’s B2B arm, they are Energy Systems and connected solution. The company is devising a similar proposition in India as well, as it expects to generate 50% of its revenues from B2B in the next 5 years. Energy systems is a critical
which will in parallel shape the industry?
demand as well as support growth of
Further, key drivers for utility/renewable
R.K. Singh indicate that new renewable
energy storage systems in India will be:-
52
APRIL 2018
o Generation Variability & Unpredictability
Q
o Grid reliability management difficulty • Continual increase in power peak shortage o Generation and demand don’t happen at the same time o Transmission & Distribution Network limitations • Captive power plants management o Demand fluctuations management in island mode o Response time of thermal power plants is slow
Q
How soon will India think beyond Lead-Acid to welcome to newer, efficient and innovative technologies? Is Panasonic working on any newer technologies? We have been using lead Acid batteries for very long and they will find relevance in some applications going forward too. However more and more applications will migrate to LiB soon. This will happen when users start to appreciate benefits
How has been YoY growth for Panasonic and any key announcements which the existing and prospect customer base shall await in 2018?
of LiB and higher capex are capable to
On a year on year basis, Panasonic
encouraging. We are a 100 year old
India’s energy storage business has been growing at 45%. Further we’re looking at rolling out our energy storage solutions for Data Centres by Q2 of FY 2018-19.
Q
How suitable is the regulatory framework and market structure for energy storage in the Indian telecom sector? Current regulatory framework needs
our energy storage solution offerings to
many new amendments to help kick start
different sectors.
storage projects. Ancillary services as
SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 2 l ISSUE 8
projects will have storage too for firming up and peak shift.
hence why we have decided to expand
Q
with Hon’ble Minister of power Shri
• High % of Renewables in Generation
component of this increased focus,
How you reckon the energy storage industry to grow in the coming 5 years and key trends
storage industry. Recent discussions
yet don’t have battery storage systems included. Similarly tariff policies today will need to evolve in recognizing need for time of the day tariff to manage
provide a very low Total cost of ownership (TCO) and make their businesses more nimble and efficient. We have been successful in articulating this to many customers and our success rate is very organization and innovation has been constant through this journey. We will continue to work on new technologies and products.
UPDATES
MILESTONES
Diu Becomes Country’s First Fully Solar Powered UT In a move to go green, Diu has become India’s first 100 percent solar powered and energy surplus Union territory (UT). The Union territory has displayed a model for an effective way for people to harness this renewable energy source. In just 3 years, Diu has made rapid progress in the solar electricity generation. It has an area of just 42 sq.kms. Despite scarcity of land, solar power plants have been installed, in Diu, over more than 50 acres.
The UT generates a total of 13 MW of electricity from solar power generating facilities daily, out of which around 3 MW is generated from rooftop solar plants and the remaining 10 MW is from other solar power plants. Daman and Diu electricity department, Executive Engineer, Milind Ingle said, “The population of Diu is only 56,000. For water and electricity, the Union territory was solely dependent on the Gujarat government. To
overcome this limitation, the administration of the Union territory decided to set up solar power plants in Diu.” “Diu’s peak-time demand for electricity goes up to 7 MW and we generate about 10.5 MW of electricity from solar energy daily. This is way more than the consumption demand requirement,” he added. Ingle further added that solar power has come as a big relief for local residents as their monthly bill charges have fallen by around 12 per cent.
Surat Becomes Country’s First District with Fully Solar Powered Health Centres At a time when global warming is mounting with each passing day, Gujarat's Surat district has switched to solar power to combat the issue. Surat has become the first district in the country to have 100 percent solar powered Primary Health Centers (PHC). There are a total of 52 PHCs in the district
and all of them are now powered by solar system. This initiative will not only bring down the electricity bill by 40 percent but also help fight global warming. "Other than PHCs, there are 572 gram panchayats in the Surat District, out of which 150 are solar powered gram panchayats and soon the other 422 panchayats will too
be solar powered. 25 percent of the total expense of making the gram panchayat solar powered has been borne by the district panchayat," District Development Officer K. Rajesh said. Rajesh is confident that Surat would set an example for the country by developing villages that use sustainable forms of energy.
World's Largest Solar Park Launched in Karnataka The world’s largest, 2,000 MW solar park, called as ‘Shakti Sthala’, was set up with an investment of Rs 16,500 crore at Pavagada town in Tumakuru district of Karnataka. According to the officials, the park spans across 13,000 acres spread over 5 villages and is a benchmark in the unique people’s participation in power model put on ground. Moreover, the development of the park is anchored by the Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Ltd (KSPDCL), an entity formed in March 2015 as a joint venture (JV) between Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) and Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI). This solar park was launched by the
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The project has been executed within a record time of two years, with zero land acquisition. The state has witnessed an overall increase in capacity to 2,3379 MW as on January
2018, he said. Shivakumar said 600 MW solar power generation has been commissioned during December 2017 and balance capacity of 1400 MW will be available by December this year. VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
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PROJECTS
UPDATES
Amplus Signs Rs 2,700 cr Solar Energy Deal with Andhra, Maharashtra Amplus Energy has inked a pact with the state governments of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to build solar projects with an investment of Rs 2,700 crore. The rooftop solar energy company has signed an MoU with Andhra Pradesh government to install 200 MW solar capacity with investment of Rs 1,200 crore. The project is expected to create 400 jobs in the state, Amplus said. Further, the company has signed an MoU for 300 MW solar capacity with Maharashtra, of which 250 MW would be for groundmounted captive and 50 MW for rooftops across the state.
The move is expected to generate employment for 150 people and will require an investment of Rs 1,500 crore. Amplus Energy, MD and CEO, Sanjeev Aggarwal said, “Our agreements with Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh governments will help us expand in these states and ramp up our business and achieve our solar power targets.” In February, the company has signed an MoU with the UP government to invest Rs 2,200 crore for 500 MW solar capacity. For funding its projects, the company had partnered with Yes Bank to co-finance and
develop projects in the solar energy sector in India.
IBC Solar Connects 3 MW Solar Power to the Grid in India under Open Access IBC Solar has widened its business in India. Recently, the inauguration ceremony took place at the plant site in Tamil Nadu. The project is part of India’s Open Access Policy. With the Electricity Act (2003), the government confirms open access to the transmission lines as an encouragement to private investors to enter the electricity generation sector. Under this provision, every person who has constructed a captive generating plant is entitled to open access to the transmission lines for carrying electricity from their plant to the destination of its use. It is similar to a self-consumption plant with some distance between generator and consumption point. The now inaugurated project is IBC solar’s first solar park under this provision. LNB Renewable Energy executed the complete project development, approvals and transmission line works whereas IBC solar performed the EPC. “This is a very interesting project,” says Shailendra Bebortha, Managing Director of IBC Solar in India, “As it combines a lot of unusual factors.” In fact, the project has
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quite a few of ‘first times’. While IBC Solar so far concentrated on Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Odisha, this is its first solar park in Tamil Nadu. The solar park was built near Madurai, for The Peria Karamalai Tea & Produce Co. Ltd.
which has reduced its carbon footprint with a solar park thus confirming their commitment to renewable energies. The NSE-listed company belongs to the LN Bangur Group who has worked with IBC Solar for several other large-scale projects.
UPDATES
PROJECTS
Azure Power Wins 130 MW Solar Power Projects Azure Power has won a cumulative capacity of 130 MW at a blended tariff of INR 3.35 per kWh, bringing the Company’s total portfolio to over 1,720 MW. The win includes a 100 MWs utility scale project at the Pavagada solar park in Karnataka and a 30 MW solar rooftop project with Indian Railways. The 100 MWs project was won in an auction conducted by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development. The solar plant will be set up at Pavagada Solar Park, one of the largest solar parks in the world. The solar park is being developed by Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Limited (KSPCL). Azure Power will supply power to the electricity supply companies of Karnataka (ESCOMs) for 25 years at a tariff of INR 2.93 per kWh. This brings our portfolio in Karnataka to about 250MW, which is one
of the largest portfolios in the state. Another 30 MW was allocated by Indian Railways to Azure Power. Azure Roof Power will provide power for 25 years to various Indian Railway facilities across 12 states. Azure Power qualifies for a capital incentive from Indian Railways and the power will be sold at a weighted average levelized tariff of
INR 4.74 per kWh. With the new allocation of 30 MW, Azure Power has become the largest supplier of solar power to Indian Railways with a cumulative awarded capacity of 76 MW, which includes the 46 MWs of capacity currently in the portfolio.
Microsoft Inks Solar Energy Pact with Atria Power to Lighten its B’lore Office Microsoft Corp., has signed its first renewable energy deal with Atria Power to power its new office building in Bangalore, Karnataka. As per the deal, Microsoft will purchase 3 megawatts of solar-powered electricity from the Bangalore-based company, which will meet 80 per cent of the projected electricity needs at the new facility. Microsoft India, President, Anant Maheshwari said, “Investing in local solar energy to help power our new Bangalore office building is good for Microsoft, good for India and good for the environment.” “We are proud to be deepening our long history of partnership and investment in India with this agreement. This deal will help us grow sustainably and supports the growth of the Indian solar energy industry, so that the entire country can more easily and reliably access clean electricity,” Maheshwari added. This is Microsoft’s first solar energy agreement in India, and one of the first in Asia — the company completed a new solar agreement
in Singapore last week. Once completed, this project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy projects to nearly 900 megawatts. The deals in Asia follow wind projects in Europe and a substantial portfolio in the United States, and mark continued
momentum toward the corporate clean energy commitments set by the company in 2016. Microsoft’s goal is to rely on wind, solar and hydropower electricity for at least 50 percent of its energy usage worldwide by the end of 2018.
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UPDATES
Modi, Macron Inaugurate Solar Power Plant in UP Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron has jointly inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh’s (UP’s) biggest solar power plant, which was built at a cost of around Rs 500 crore by French firm ENGIE. The 75 MW solar plant is located at Chhanvey block of Dadar Kalan village on the hilly terrain of the Vindhyas range at Mirzapur, UP. Some 1,18,600 solar panels have been set up in over 380 acres. Power would be transmitted to Jigna sub-station of Mirzapur range of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd, officials said. The plant will generate 15.6 crore units of electricity annually, about 1.30 crore units per month. Modi, the chief architect of ISA that seeks to bring together 121 nations, said India will generate 175 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2022. This will be more than double the present renewable energy capacity and be enough to overtake renewable expansion in the
European Union for the first time. India needs some $83 billion between FY2018 and FY2022 to meet its 175 GW target, according to industry estimates. At present, the country’s renewable energy
installed capacity is 63 GW. Solar and wind power tariffs have dropped to an all-time low of Rs2.44 per unit and Rs3.46 per unit, among the lowest in the world.
NHPC Commissions 50 MW Solar Power Projects in Tamil Nadu NHPC has successfully commissioned 50 MW solar PV grid connected project in the state of Tamil Nadu. In a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, the Mini Ratna company said, “A 50 MW solar power project in Theni/ Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu has been fully commissioned on March 23, 2018.” In February 2018, the company said that, its 50 MW solar plant had started partial generation and was on a partial load of 9.40 MW. In June last year, the company had awarded the EPC contract for the development of this project to Larson & Tubro for an amount of Rs 287.48 crore with comprehensive operation and maintenance for 10 years. NHPC was incorporated in the year 1975 with
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an objective to plan, promote and organise an integrated and efficient development of hydroelectric power in all aspects. Later on, NHPC expanded its objects to include
development of power in all its aspects through conventional and non-conventional sources in India and abroad.
UPDATES
PROJECTS
RB Inks 10-yr Solar PPA with Amplus Energy for Mysore Plant RB, formerly known as Reckitt Benckiser, has signed a 10-year, 2.4 MW, solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Amplus Energy solutions for its Mysore facility. The company has commissioned its first solar powered factory in Mysore as part of Project Greenathon. Further, the consumer health and hygiene company said that the factory running on green power forms an extension to its continuous efforts to reach its worldwide sustainability targets. Now, the factory meets 75 percent of the energy needs with solar energy and aims to be the first factory running on 100 percent green power in India, within couple of years.
This marks the company’s first PPA in India which forms a landmark in its sustainability journey. This initiative will enable reductions in carbon emissions by 80 percent for the Mysore site over the next 10 years. Amplus has developed 42 MW solar park called as Nayaka in Chitradurga, Karnataka that supplies energy to the Mysore plant. RB spokesperson, Procurement Director, Radha Mohan Gupta said, “We are proud to announce our PPA to achieve RB’s first green power factory. We at RB have been continuously working towards achieving our sustainability targets globally. This PPA marks our first big step towards reducing emissions from our operations in India. We
endeavor to use 100 percent renewable electricity for the plant soon. We also thank government and other stakeholders for their support in achieving this milestone. In future we aim to replicate this successful module at our facility in Hosur.”
Radite Energy Bags 1.4 MW for India Expo Centre Noida From Amplus Solar In a significant development, Radite Energy, Gurgaon based Company has bagged 1.4 MW from Amplus Solar for India Expo Centre at Noida here. According to the company statement, the company will be responsible for the complete turnkey solution. This is third order in row bagged by RE after successful completion of TVS Nalagarh and MCC Kolkata. Amplus Solar
provides manufacturer of commercial solar plant installation service, grid tie solar
plant installation and industrial solar plant installation service in Gurgaon, Haryana. It is pertinent to mention that Radite has already commissioned power projects of total 200 MW in India and planning to expand their businesses in the manufacturing of solar structure system.
Suzlon Commissions 340 MW Solar Projects in Three States Suzlon has commissioned 340 MW of solar projects across Telangana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The projects include 210 MW in Telangana, 60 MW in Rajasthan and 70 MW in Maharashtra, the company said in a statement. "The projects have been executed over a period of time, concluding in fourth quarter of 2017-18," it said. With the commissioning of 340 MW projects,
Suzlon has completed delivery of its entire solar order book. The projects were implemented either through joint ventures or by forming special purpose vehicles (SPVs) with partners. J.P. Chalasani, Group CEO, Suzlon Group said, “We have delivered the entire 340 MW solar project on turnkey basis. Our focus on solar will continue to be through wind-Solar hybrid projects, which will lead to better
utilization of grid, due to complementary generation profile. It will also save on duplication of costs such as land and evacuation infrastructure.” Established in 1995, Suzlon Energy is currently present in 18 countries across 6 continents. The company houses one of the largest in-house Research and Development (R&D) set-up with facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and India. VOL 2 l ISSUE 8 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
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UPDATES
Vikram Solar Commissions 100kwp Rooftop Solar Plant for Indian Oil Vikram Solar has successfully installed 100 kWp rooftop solar PV system at two Indian Oil offices in Bikaner and Jhunjhunu of Rajasthan state. The cumulative annual energy generation capacity of the two solar installations is 120000 kWh. IOCL, spokesperson said, “We are glad to join the renewable energy race, partnering with Vikram Solar. Our 100 kWp solar plant was powered on and although we are yet to analyse the output, we are happy to have made the stride in contributing to the Indian solar growth. Vikram Solar has
done an exceptional job in installing and commissioning the system ensuring to high quality standards and above industry standard services.” Neha Agrawal, Head-Corporate Strategy, Vikram Solar, said, “Focusing on quality, performance, and latest technology use, we have successfully satisfied the most conservative circle of clients in India and abroad. Our recent win in delivering a 100 kWp (50 kWp x 2) Rooftop Solar PV system to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd testifies our resolve and complements our proven track record.”
Agrawal further said, “We used ABB String Inverter (50kVA), imported from Germany, for this project, and faced logistical challenges as the installation site was on the outskirts of the city. The system, not only provides financial benefits but also environmental benefits in the form of Carbon Dioxide offset of 120 metric tonnes annually. We congratulate Indian Oil Corporation Ltd for joining the Indian solar revolution and thank them for helping us in our commitment of supporting the Indian solar dream.”
Waaree Energies Welcomes ISA Delegates at 50 MW Solar Plant in MP
Waaree Energies has welcomed delegates from International Solar Alliance at its 50 MW solar manufacturing plant in Ichhawar, Madhya Pradesh. The visit was a part of their recent visit to India to study the deployment of solar in India. Delegates, who visited the project, included representatives from the Kingdom of Cambodia, Madagascar, South Sudan, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guyana, and Rwanda among others.
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On this visit, Dr Hitesh Doshi said, “It was an honour to host dignitaries from around the world at our Ichhawar Project, and indeed elated to have been chosen by the International Solar Alliance. We hope the visit helped in providing an insight on the solar industry in India. It also helped highlight the innovation and technology capabilities of Indian players like Waaree to a global audience.” The 50 MW solar plant in Ichhawar, Madhya Pradesh has being constructed by Waaree
Energies in June 2015, under SECI VGF scheme using Waaree DCR Modules. The plants performance has consistently surpassed its PLF since it was commissioned. This year, the International Solar Alliance Summit, was hosted jointly by India and France at New Delhi, and saw participation from 23 nation heads and 10 ministerial delegates. The summit was significant to India as it tries to achieve the ambitious target of generating 175 GW of renewable energy, including 100 GW of solar energy, by 2022.
NATIONAL EVENTS
KUWAIT SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT
2ND SOLAR TODAY EXPO
website : www.solartodayexpo.com START DATE : 10-Apr-2018 END DATE : 12-Apr-2018
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Location : Bengaluru, India Phone : +91 9930959799
website : www.wpsummits.com/setskuwait/
E-mail : zakir@solartodayexpo.com
START DATE : 03-Apr-2018 END DATE : 04-Apr-2018 E-mail : salil@wpsummits.com
RENEWX 2018
THE SOLAR SHOW VIETNAM 2018
website : www.renewx.in
website : www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/solar...
Location : Hyderabad, India START DATE : 13-Apr-2018 END DATE : 14-Apr-2018 Phone : +919990962410 E-mail : Pankaj.sharma@ubm.com
START DATE : 10-Apr-2018 Location : Vietnam END DATE : 11-Apr-2018 Phone : +65 6322 2760 E-mail : andre.laury@terrapinn.com
SOLAR TECH SHOW EXPO & CONFERENCE
SOLAR NEAR EAST EXHIBITION AND FORUM 2018
website : www.solartechshow.com
Location : Kuwait Phone : +968 24788476
website : jordanfairs.com/index.php
Location : Ahmedabad, India START DATE : 13-Apr-2018 END DATE : 15-Apr-2018 Phone : +91 84607 77704 E-mail : solarexpo@trioovation.com
START DATE : 09-Apr-2018 END DATE : 12-Apr-2018 E-mail : goldgate@go.com.jo
3RD SOLAR INDIA 2018 EXPO
MANAGING EUROPEAN SOLAR ASSETS 2018
Phone : +962 6 5658501
website : assets.solarenergyevents.com
website : www.solarindiaexpo.com START DATE : 23-May-2018 END DATE : 25-May-2018
Location : Amman, Jordan
Location : New Delhi, India Phone : +91 11 42795011
E-mail : praveens@eigroup.in
START DATE : 09-Apr-2018 Location : London, UK END DATE : 12-Apr-2018 E-mail : jandrews@solarmedia.co.uk Phone : +44 207 8710122
ALL-ENERGY EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 2018 SOLAR SOUTH
website : www.all-energy.co.uk
website : www.solarsouth.in START DATE : 14-June-2018 END DATE : 16-June-2018
Location : Chennai, India Phone : +91 95000 70800
E-mail : solarsouth@smartexpos.in
WORLD RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS & EXPO website : wretc.in
START DATE : 21-Aug-2018 END DATE : 23-Aug-2018
Location : New Delhi, India Phone : +91 9213901510 E-mail : punit.nagi@ee-foundation.org
RENEWABLE ENERGY INDIA EXPO 2018
website : www.renewableenergyindiaexpo.com START DATE : 18-Sep-2018 END DATE : 20-Sep-2018
Location : Greater Noida, India Phone : +919990962410 E-mail : Pankaj.sharma@ubm.com
INTERSOLAR INDIA 2018
website : www.intersolar.in START DATE : 11-Dec-2018 END DATE : 13-Dec-2018
Location : Bangalore, India Phone : +49 7231 58598215 E-mail : feth@solarpromotion.com
START DATE : 02-May-2018 Location : Glasgow, UK END DATE : 03-May-2018 E-mail : all-energy@reedexpo.co.uk Phone : +44 208 4395560
ALL-ENERGY EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 2018 website : www.all-energy.co.uk START DATE : 02-May-2018 Location : Glasgow, UK END DATE : 03-May-2018 E-mail : all-energy@reedexpo.co.uk Phone : +44 208 4395560
SNEC 12TH (2018) website : www.snec.org.cn Location : Shanghai, China
START DATE : 28-May-2018 END DATE : 30-May-2018 E-mail : info@snec.org.cn
Phone :
+86 21 53893020
5TH SOLAR AFRICA 2018 website : www.expogr.com/solarafrica START DATE : 29-May-2018 END DATE : 31-May-2018 E-mail : feedback@expogr.com
Location : Nairobi, Kenya Phone :
+971 4 3721421
BRAZIL SOLAR POWER CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION website : www.brazilsolarpower.com
Location : Brazil START DATE : 12-Jun-2018 Phone : +55 21 31549412 END DATE : 13-Jun-2018 E-mail : luiz.renato@canalenergia.com.br
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FINANCE
UPDATES
Don’t Grant Loans to Huge Loss Making Discoms, says RK Singh to REC, PFC In a review meeting, the Union Power Minister,R K Singh has directed the two financing arms of the Power Ministry i.e. Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) not to grant any loan to distribution companies (discoms) which are making heavy losses, unless they draw up a road map for reducing the losses. Singh instructed that discoms which are making heavy losses (above 15 percent) will not be granted any loans for capital expenditure or non-capital expenditure until and unless they draw up a road map for reducing the losses over a definite time frame (not more than 2 years), and they are able to show that they are taking action in accordance with the road map. This will be
vetted by the Ministry of Power and only then will the grant of loan be considered for such discoms. The Union Minister has directed REC and PFC that before granting of loan either for capital expenditure or for non-capital expenditure, the adherence to
prudential norms must be carefully observed. He said that many distribution companies have been making heavy transmission and distribution (T&D) losses and it may be difficult for them to repay the loans.
Mahindra Renewables Gets Rs 750 cr Assistance from Yes Bank for Rewa Solar Proj Mahindra Renewables has achieved financial closure for its 250 MW solar power project, to be located in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh with Yes Bank for financial assistance in the form of project debt to the extent of Rs 750 crore and from other financial institutions upto Rs 200 crore. The project is part of the 750 MW Rewa solar park which is one of the largest solar parks in the world. The 250 MW project of Mahindra Renewables is expected to generate over 525 million units and is envisaged to sell 78% of the generated units to Madhya Pradesh Electricity Distribution Utilities and the balance 22% to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Mahindra Renewables had participated in the competitive bidding process invited by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (50:50 JV between Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikash Nigam & Solar Energy Corporation of India) to set up 750 MW grid connected Solar PV projects. Mahindra Renewables won 250 MW capacity
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at levelised tariff of Rs 3.3 per Kwh with other winning bidders being ACTIS PE backed Solenergi and ACME Group. The project is expected to commence commercial operations by December 2018. Mahindra Partners, President, Zhooben Bhiwandiwala said, “Our aim is to build a sustainable presence in the Renewable Energy space. The Rewa Solar Project is a significant step in this direction as this is one of the largest solar parks having the most bankable PPA terms and can become a model template
for all upcoming solar projects.” Yes Bank, MD & CEO, Rana Kapoor said, “The Rewa Solar Project by Mahindra Renewables is another step towards augmenting India’s RE capacity, and our support to this project builds on Yes Bank’s commitment to mobilize USD 5 Bn for financing Solar Power projects in India by 2030 which we announced at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) conference organized at World Future Energy Summit 2018 in Abu Dhabi and at the ISA Founding Conference on March 11, 2018 in New Delhi.”
UPDATES
FINANCE
Mirzapur Solar Plant Gets Rs 74.25 Lakh per MW Viability Gap Funding from Govt The Mirzapur’s 75 MW solar power plant, set-up by the French firm ENGIE at a cost of around Rs 528 crore, has got Rs 74.25 lakh per MW Viability Gap Funding from the Government of India. In a statement, the Power Ministry said, “Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for the project at the rate of Rs.74.25 lakh per MW has been provided by the Government of India for the project.” The electricity generated by the project will be supplied by ENGIE at the rate of Rs 4.43 per unit for a period of 25 years, it added. The solar power plant, having (101DC) capacity, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Mirzapur on March 12. The Ministry further said that, it had earlier approved setting up of 4 solar parks in Uttar Pradesh worth the capacity of 440 MW. These solar parks are being set up by
Lucknow Solar Park Development Corporation (LSPDC) which is a joint venture of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and Nonconventional Energy Development Agency (NEDA) under UP Government. Moreover, a 50 MW solar power plant has already come up in Allahabad. Another, 40 MW solar power plant is ready for
commissioning in Jalaun district. With the inauguration of 75 MW power plant in Mirzapur by the Prime Minister, the total capacity of solar power plants in Uttar Pradesh has gone up to 165 MW. Biddings of 225 MW solar power plants opens on 12th April, 2018.
Modi Calls for Concessional, Less-risky financing for Solar Projects The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
Modi called for rising above narrow
less-risky funds for solar projects.
effort for the betterment of the
called for the concessional financing and
While speaking at the founding conference
of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), PM said, India will generate 175 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2022.
Also, innovation has to be encouraged so as
to provide solutions to different needs. "We
have to provide concessional financing and less-risky funds for solar projects," he said. Solar energy policy has to be looked at
in totality for development so that it can
contribute to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), he said. "We
have to strengthen ISA Secretariat and make it more professional."
private goals to make collective mankind.
He said India has launched the “world’s biggest renewable energy programme
with a target to generate 175 GW of electricity
As a demonstration of
Of these, 100 GW is to come from solar
ISA, the prime minister
from renewable sources.”
and 60 GW from wind. “Of the target for
solar energy generation, we have already
India’s commitment to
said 500 training slots
will be created for
achieved 20 GW installed solar power,”
member countries and a
India needs some USD 83 billion between
will be started to lead R&D
he said.
solar technology mission
FY2018 and FY2022 to meet its 175 GW
in the sector.
target, according to industry estimates.
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